Untitled - Regroupement des Aidantes et Aidants Naturels

Transcription

The realization of this Guide was made possible by the members of the
community consultation organism - the Sherbrooke Senior Citizen sector, and
by the generous financial support of the following organizations: CSSS-IUGS,
Martineau Communication and Printing, Mr. Jean Charest, deputy minister,
Sherbrooke, Mrs. Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, deputy minister, St-François,
Lennoxville & District Community Aid, the Alliance of Sherbrooke for Home
Autonomy, La Rose des vents de l’Estrie, the association of homecare providers
of Sherbrooke, the Sherbrooke Caisse Desjardins, the Berthiaume du
Tremblay Foundation, the Eastern Townships Alzheimer Society, Association
estrienne pour l’information aux aînées et aînés (AEIFA) and the Coopérative
funéraire de l’Estrie. We thank Sercovie for their support.
To produce this Guide, the committee gathered various tools developed in
other areas. In order to integrate the inter-generational window we asked
children to illustrate to us a person who helps another person. We especially
wish to thank the consultation committee for senior citizens of St-François who
authorized us to reproduce extracts of the Guide, “To help without exhaustion”
and the consultation committee for senior citizens of the Memphrémagog,
MRC for the “Guide for people who help a loved one cope with the loss of
autonomy”. In the segment, “Resources”, we used several references from the
Guide, “La Boussole” from the association of homecare providers of Montreal.
Draft: Guide committee members, Community consultation organization
– Senior citizens sector of Sherbrooke.
The CSSS-IUGS is a university affiliated center (CAU) of the social services sector and
a university institute of geriatrics (health sector)
Maryline Brault, technician and documentation
Health & Social Services
University institute of geriatrics of Sherbrooke
Management of the coordination of academic affairs
500 Murray Street, suite 100
Sherbrooke (Quebec) J1G 2K6
819 562-9121, box 47011
mbrault.csss-iugs@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
ISBN-13 : 978-2-922997-86-6 (Printable version)
ISBN-13 : 978-2-922997-87-3 (PDF version)
Registration of copyright: National Library of Quebec 2008
Registration of copyright: Library & Archives of Canada 2008
All reproductions of this document, total or partial, is authorized with the condition that the
reference be mentionned.
THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
FOR THE GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS:
Lennoxville and District Community Aid,
Sylvie Gilbert-Fowlis
Alliance sherbrookoise pour l’autonomie à domicile,
Josée Fontaine
Association estrienne pour l’information et la formation
aux aînées et aînés (AEIFA),
Sylvie Morin
CLSC du CSSS-IUGS,
Paul Pronovost
La Rose des vents de l’Estrie,
Isabelle Desruisseaux
Regroupement des aidantes et aidants naturels
(or Réseau d’Amies),
Marie-Pierre Laurent
Drawings : Clohé Roy, 11 years old, Anne-Marie Dubreuil,
13 years old and Rick Evans, 8 years old
Translation : Denise Lauzière
and Martineau Communication et Impression
Sherbrooke, Autumn, 2008
* Rea der ’ s n ot es :
The Health & Social Service Center – Sherbrooke Geriatric University
Institute (HSSC-UIGS) ensures the population it serves health care
and services according to three distinct mandates: CLSC, Geriatric
Hospital and senior resident housing, and allying education and
research as part of its mission.
In this guide, “CLSC” refers to the name of the establishment.
I NTR OD UC TI ON
The purpose of this guide is to provide useful information to assist
caregivers in their role. The initial idea to develop this guide stems
from discussions held by the Table de concertation des
organismes communautaires secteur personnes aînées de Sherbrooke,
which is made up of community organisations and CLSC professionals.
This guide was developped based on the following two observations:
•
•
Caregivers tend to ignore their limits, and to delay asking for help.
This tendency can lead to burnout;
Caregivers often lack information, so they know very little about
the resources available to help them.
This guide has been designed to help caregivers to:
•
Become aware of their role, and to develop the tools they need to
meet their responsibilities as caregivers;
•
Learn about the existing resources and the solutions available to
them to prevent burn out;
•
Encourage them to think about their commitment.
The approach used throughout this guide emphasizes the rights of
the caregiver to respond to his or her own needs and the choices that
he or she has, that only he or she can make.
This guide is only one tool amongst others. We invite you to refer to
the "Resources" section of this guide, if you need additional information. We would also like to hear your comments about this guide. You
may do so by contacting the Regroupement des aidantes et aidants
naturels at ☎ (819) 562-2494 or the CLSC at ☎ (819) 563-2572.
I n o rd er to r edu ce t e xt , t he fem in ine is us ed w it ho ut any
intended discrimination.
1
E V A L U AT I N G M Y S I T U AT I O N
Cari ng fo r a L ov ed One
Agreeing to share my time and energy to give regular help to someone who is sick or has lost independence is an act of great generosity.
It also implies that I will have more to do and have less free time for
myself.
I have embarked on this helping relationship because of my emotional
ties to the person in need, because I live with that person or am close
to them, or because I am just the “best“ person to do it. I likely forgot
to assess the impact this would have on my daily life, and to set a limit
on the length of my commitment, the amount of time I would have
available, and the kinds of tasks I can do. The support I am giving the
person I help is increasingly taking up a lot of room in my life, sometimes all the room.
Now I am faced with a dilemma: I no longer have time for myself, the
other members of my family, or my friends and acquaintances. I am
always busy and worried. Weariness gradually becomes permanent:
I have aches and pains, trouble sleeping, digestive problems, I am
irritable and feel depressed.
It is possible to help without burning out. I can always adjust my
degree of involvement, while still making sure that the person I help is
suitably cared for. I have the means at hand. It is up to me to use
them.
O fte n a tu rn of e ven ts cau se s u s to
b e c om e c a re g i ve r’ s wi t ho u t k no wi n g i n
ad vanc e what l ies ahead.
2
Wh o i s t he per so n bei ng hel ped?
It is someone:
• In my family or circle of friends;
• Who needs help, accompaniment, support or supervision on a
regular basis;
• Who would have difficulty staying at home without help.
Wh o i s t he car egi ver ?
Like many other people, I assumed this role without really having a
choice. I am someone who can be counted on, is reliable, resourceful and available.
I am:
• Generally a woman (80% of the time); who is over 45 years of age.
• Someone who lives with the person needing help, or who lives
close by;
• Someone who is emotionally “close”;
• Most likely a member of the family: spouse or child (often the
eldest child).
Fa m il i es pr o v i de 80 % o f c ar e an d
s u p p o r t t o a p e r s o n i n l o s t o f a u t o n o m y.
S tati sti cs sh ow tha t a pp roxima tel y
t w en t y-f iv e pe r ce nt o f t he Can adi an
po pulat ion pro v ide ho m e car e.
In a dd iti on, it is es tim ated tha t 10% of
Q ue be ce rs he l p s omeon e wh o ha s a
l o n g - t e r m i n c a p a c i t y.
In Qu eb ec , the majori ty of c are gi ve r’s
hav e be en su ppo rt in g t he sam e pe r so n
for at least 5 y ears , 1 o ut of 5 fo r ov er 10
y ears .
3
THE PR E S SU RE S
P ress ure s im pos ed by o ther s
Generally speaking, it is assumed that helping a loved one is a family
responsibility. There is often “pressure“ exerted on certain family members
who then become the caregiver, and no one ever questions this.
•
•
•
•
“We can count on you. We have confidence in you. You are so
much better at caring for him or her than we are.”
“You live together. We won't interfere in your business.”
“You started out taking care of him or her. I work, I have children.
Well, you too, but you are closer.”
“Things are going well. You never ask us for help.”
You should ask yourself a number of questions before becoming the
principal caregiver:
•
•
•
•
Am I really the only one who is capable and available?
Would I welcome help from people close to me, even if they do
hings differently than me?
Do I have the physical and moral strength to take care of someone
who is suffering a loss of independence, and living at home?
Will my employer allow me to work a flexible schedule, so that I
can take better care of the person in my care?
To help you evaluate your situation, refer to page 26, the Family and
Social Contract.
4
Sel f im pose d pr essur es
Of the demands that weigh on me, the ones I force onto myself are the
hardest to identify and question. Most of them are usually centred on
moral values, that are just and valid, that guide my life as a whole.
Others stem from religious beliefs, or unfulfilled needs in the past, or
from unresolved conflicts.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“It is my duty to take care of him or her: I owe him or her my
existence.”
“I am the only one who can do this. I know all his or her needs,
tastes, and habits.”
“I don't want to appear heartless.”
“When you love someone, you give your all.”
”I promised to take care of him or her until the end.”
If I keep going without a break, don't I risk running out of energy?
Can I be a caregiver if I am tired, impatient, irritable, and myself in
need of help?
Do I have to keep my promise at any price? At the price of my
own health and well-being? Is this a contract for life?
How can I reconcile my professional responsibilities, my duty to
my children, and my role as a daily caregiver?
5
HOW ARE YOU D OING?
This questionnaire is a tool to help you evaluate your workload. There
are no right and wrong answers.
Instructions
Circle the number that corresponds to your feelings
0 = never
3 = often
1 = rarely
4 = almost always
2 = sometimes
I n t hese quest io ns, the wo r d r elat iv e r efer s t o t he pe rso n
y o u a r e c a r i n g f o r.
At what fr equency do y ou
1. Feel that your relative asks for more help than he
or she really needs?
0 1 2 3 4
2. Feel that because of the time you spend with your
relative you don't have enough time for yourself?
0 1 2 3 4
3. Feel torn between caring for your relative and your
other family or professional responsibilities?
0 1 2 3 4
4. Feel embarrassed by the behaviour of your
relative?
0 1 2 3 4
5. Feel angry when you are in the presence of your
relative?
0 1 2 3 4
6. Feel that your relative interferes with your
relationships with the other members of your
family or your friends?
0 1 2 3 4
7. Fear what the future holds for your relative?
0 1 2 3 4
8. Feel that your relative is dependent on you?
0 1 2 3 4
9. Feel stressed when you are with your relative?
0 1 2 3 4
10. Feel that your health has deteriorated because of
your involvement with your relative?
0 1 2 3 4
11. Feel that you don't have as much privacy as you
would like because of your relative?
0 1 2 3 4
6
12. Feel that your social life has deteriorated due
to the fact that you take care of your relative.
0 1 2 3 4
13. Feel uncomfortable having friends over because
of your relative?
0 1 2 3 4
14. Feel that your relative seems to expect that you will
take care of him or her, as if you are the only one
that he or she can count on?
0 1 2 3 4
15. Feel that you don't have sufficient income to take
care of your relative, given your other expenses?
0 1 2 3 4
16. Feel that you won't be able to take care of your
relative for much longer?
0 1 2 3 4
17. Feel like you have lost control of your life since
your relative became ill?
0 1 2 3 4
18. Wish you could leave the care of your relative
to someone else?
0 1 2 3 4
19. Feel that you don't know what to do for your
relative?
0 1 2 3 4
20. Feel that you should be doing more for your
relative?
0 1 2 3 4
21. Feel that you could do a better job caring for
your relative?
0 1 2 3 4
22. Finally, how often do you feel that caring for your
relative is a burden?
0 1 2 3 4
Interpretation of the results:
00 to 20 = little or no burden
21 to 40 = light to moderate burden
41 to 60 = moderate to severe burden
61 to 81 = severe burden
This questionnaire shouldn't be interpreted as being the only indicator
of your emotional state. It is recommended that you consult a health
professional
English translation of a French translation by Burden, Zarit, S.H.,
Reever, K. E., Bach-Peterson, J., "The burden interview", The gerontologist, 20:649-655, 1980. Health and Social Services Center - University
Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke, 1036, rue Belvédère Sud, Sherbrooke
(Quebec) J1H 4C4
7
T A K I N G C A R E O F O N E S E L F, W H A T D O E S T H A T M E A N ?
You are important to the person needing care. Taking care of this
person is very demanding, and takes a lot of time and energy. You can
be young and fit, and still find this very difficult. If you want to continue
caring for this person, it is essential that you also take care of yourself.
To maintain mental stability, you have to feel secure, loved and feel
valued.
Rem ain r eali sti c and don' t ov er est im ate yo ur capabil iti es
You must understand
that taking care of someone requires a lot of time
and energy. There are
limits to what you can
do. You have to decide
what you feel are the
most important things.
What counts the most in
your opinion – a walk
with the person you are
caring for, a little time for
yourself, doing something that you have always enjoyed with friends, or perhaps having a
clean and well-organized house? You alone can decide what is most
important to you at that precise time.
Besides making these choices, you have to also set definite limits.
Certain people have trouble accepting the fact that they can't do everything. It isn't easy to say “ N O ” . To be realistic, you have to carefully
analyze how much you can do.
8
Acce pt h ow yo u fee l
When taking care of someone who has lost their independence, you
will inevitably go through a full gamut of emotions. In the same day,
you can go from feeling completely satisfied, angry, frustrated, guilty,
happy, sad, loving, embarrassed, nervous, bitter, full of hope, and
complete despair. All these emotions can be difficult to define and
difficult to confront, but they are normal.
Negative emotions you feel don't mean that you are incapable of
providing good care. It simply means you are human. Tell yourself
you are doing your best.
L oo k at life posi tiv ely
Your attitude can have a determining influence on the way that
you feel. Look at life positively.
Look at what the person you are
caring for can do instead of looking at what he or she can't do.
Enjoy life and try to create good
times. The good times might
occur less often but there can still
happen.
Ta k e c a r e o f y o u r p h y s i c a l h e a l t h
Keeping yourself healthy is very important. Don't neglect your health.
Eat well and exercise regularly. Find ways to relax. Make sure that you
rest as much as you need. Get regular medical check-ups. All of
these means will help you to deal with the stress, and to continue to
provide the help.
9
L oo k aft er yo urs elf
You need to have regular breaks every day. You have to allow time to
do other things. Don't wait until you are at the end of your rope to
think about this. Look after yourself and do things that you like to do.
Besides giving you more energy to continue, the time you take for
yourself will help you feel less alone.
Keep yo u r sen s e o f h u m ou r
This will help you overcome the difficult moments. It is not by maintaining humour in your daily life, that you diminish the sincerity of your
care giving.
People who have lost their independence haven't lost their sense of
humour. They too need to have some fun. In fact, it is more agreeable
to take care of someone when you can joke and laugh together.
Get help
A lot of people find it difficult to ask for help, and to receive that help.
Some feel that asking for help means failure. It is very important that
you realize that taking care of someone who has lost his or her independence isn't an easy job. You most likely will need help with the
upkeep of your home, or to provide some of the care. Decide what
type of help you need, and talk to your family, or to someone close to
you. Most individuals would really like to help you, but often, they just
don't know how to go about doing it.
You can also contact community organizations. For more information,
look in the “Resources” section, page 30.
10
S har e y o ur e m o t io n s an d y o u r f ee l in gs th r o ug h d if fer e nt
t ypes of suppor t
Do you keep your problems to yourself? A lot of people do. It is very
important to talk about your feelings with others, or to write them in a
personal diary.
The others could be your neighbours, friends, other members of your
family, people in an organization you might belong to, or a support
group.
If caring for a loved one becomes emotionally overwhelming, then you
should seek help from a health professional. The latter will help you
to understand your situation, and show you how to deal with your
feelings, while offering professional support
Support groups offer a lot of help. When you participate in one of
these groups, you find yourself amongst others who know exactly
what you are experiencing. The group can give you practical advice
about the care you give as well as information about the various
resources in your community that are available to help you. It is also
an opportunity to help others, and to share your expertise.
Spir it ual quest ioni ng
Taking care of someone with a loss of independence often leads us to
question our values with respect to life and death. Look for answers
by having discussions with your family, your friends, or by analysing
your spiritual beliefs.
11
GENERAL ADVICE
Accept the fact that you might need help.
Talk regularly to your family, to your friends,
or to health professionals.
Set realistic goals.
Set your limits, and learn to say no to make
sure these limits are respected.
Eat well; get regular exercise and sufficient sleep.
Keep your sense of humour.
Find a support group in Sherbrooke by consulting
the Resource section of this booklet.
The futur e
As soon as you start taking care of a person suffering a loss of independence, you should start planning the immediate future and
consider what lies ahead. Invite the members of your family, and, if
possible, the person needing help, to take part in this planning. Think
about using respite services, even if it is only for a few hours a week.
Consult page 30 of “Resource” section. It is also important for you to
realize that during the care giving period, your needs and your skills
will change, as, most likely, will those of the person needing the help.
It may happen that you will reach a point where it will be impossible for
you to continue to offer care at home. This is when your loved one
could need the specialized care offered by a health establishment. No
one knows when and if this will happen, but it is important for you to
prepare for this possibility. As the caregiver, you should not look upon
this as a failure but as another stage in accepting help from outside
resources. The health establishments are one of the resources at your
disposal.
Yo u f u l f i l l a v e r y
im por t ant ro le.
The wo rk y o u do
is vit al.
Ta k e c a r e o f
y ou r sel f.
You are not alone.
The fact that you ask for help
isn't a sign of weakness, nor is it
considered failure. By using the
support services at your
disposal, you make your
job easier.
12
K E E P YOU R E YE S OP EN !
D o y o u feel that y ou are being abused?
When you consider caring for someone, and you know that person
well, it is difficult to imagine that there could be any abuse in the relationship. Unfortunately, experience has proven that the risks are as
great for the person receiving the care, as for the caregiver, regardless
of what form of abuse is used.
Abuse of po wer
Controlling another person's comings and goings from the house,
phone calls, correspondence, conversations, or how they use their
time during the day, can become part of the daily routine of the caregiver or the person needing care. This way of living can stifle life, make
it infantile, undermine good relationships, and change the atmosphere
in the house. In order to achieve a relationship that is mutually
respectful, you have to establish clear rules and limitations.
Psyc hol ogic al abu se
Psychological abuse between caregivers and the person requiring the
care happens very inconspicuously. Frequent long conversations
about insignificant health problems, complaints about boredom,
hidden criticisms can slowly put stress on the relationship, however
well intentioned they are. Who hasn't felt harassment by hearing
threats such as: “If you don't listen to me, I'll put you in a home”, or
“One morning you will find me dead, and then you will have to
explain”. There is also the feeling of abandonment, or loss of selfesteem that develops by feeling useless: “I know that you are letting
me die to get my money sooner.” Being aware of the possibility of
such abusive behaviours arising can help you prevent them from happening.
P hysi ca l Abus e
Being constantly present and responding to the needs of a loved one
can lead to increased fatigue. This in turn, can lead to inappropriate
gestures, disrespectful glances, physical violence, negligence etc. On
the other hand, the person needing the help can also talk aggressively
or make offensive gestures, or even act aggressively.
13
Wa rn in g sig n s t o l oo k o u t fo r to a v oi d a b u se
The drawing on the side illustrates the v i c i o u s c i r c l e o f g u i l t that
can lead to different forms of abuse.
The vicious circle is as follows: I take
on a heavy load. The heavier it
becomes, the more I feel aggressive. Since my aggressiveness is
directed towards someone who is
fragile or to someone that I feel
owing to, I develop guilt. This guilt
leads me to do more again, and to
overprotect them, meaning I do
even more than before. The cycle
starts over again since the load has
increased and I feel aggressive.
The sol uti ons
As soon as the load becomes too heavy, look for help, for support
from those around you, from the community, the CLSC, or from
community organizations. You could ask for help from a friend, a
health professional, or a telephone help line to help you break the
unhealthy relationship between you and the one you care for.
These different types of abuse are subtle ways of dominating, of,
unconsciously or not, taking over. It is important to realize this, and to
find ways of dealing with it in order to eliminate the destructive tension.
14
Did you know that even a well-intentioned caregiver could
behave inappropriately towards a family member with a loss of
independence? This is usually due to increased responsibilities
and workload. This short test is a personal tool that will help
you assess your behaviour and that of your loved one.
Maybe you are the victim?
D oes it happen to y ou som et ime s t hat ...
you feel obligated to do something against your will and/or
do things that you don’t agree with?
you find your family member’s behaviour difficult to
manage ?
you answer for your loved one because he or she is
too slow ?
you rush your loved one because you are in a hurry ?
you think that you are not doing everything that you
should be doing for your loved one ?
you speak about your loved one to another person as if
they weren’t in the room, even when they are right there ?
you are tired, exhausted, and you can’t meet all of your
loved one’s needs ?
you speak loudly or curtly, because you are tired and
impatient ?
you criticize your loved one because of their disability ?
you pay your bills from your loved one’s financial
resources since you feel that you are owed something ?
you threaten to put your loved one in a home if he or she
doesn’t do what you are asking ?
15
Ye s
No
Do e s i t ha ppe n s o m e t i m es t h at y o u r l ov ed on e . . .
Ye s
No
objects to you having visitors over, because it is too
tiring for him or her ?
complains more every time you talk about going out ?
makes you feel incompetent when you are providing care?
refuses outside help that could lighten your load ?
says you are selfish and ungrateful because you want to
have a bit of time for yourself ?
threatens to reduce his or her financial contribution if you
don’t answer to all of his or her demands ?
insults or humiliates you in front of others ?
We suggest that you answer these questions on a separate sheet of
paper in order to be able to take the test again at a later date.
If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, it is
possible that you need assistance. Consult the Resources section of
this guide for help.
Inspired from the
Caregiver and Care-receiver Indicators of Abuse (IOA) and Dépistage de l’abus chez les aidants
naturels (DACAN) (Reis-Nahmiash) by the Association estrienne pour l’information et la formation
aux aînés (AEIFA) Lyne Lacroix, Coordinator
16
THE CA R E G IV E R 'S B IL L OF R I G HTS A ND F R E ED OM S
I have the right to
•
Take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me
the capability of taking better care of my relative;
•
Seek help from others even though my relative might object. I
recognize my limitations and my strengths;
•
Continue the activities that respond to my personal needs, that
don't include the person I care for. I know I am doing all I can for
this person, and I have the right to do something just for myself;
•
Be angry, to be depressed, to express other difficulties occasionally;
•
Reject all attempts by my relative to manipulate me, consciously
or not, by guilt or by depression;
•
Cultivate reciprocal respect in this relationship
•
Be proud of what I am doing and to applaud the courage that it
has sometimes taken to meet the needs of my relative;
•
Protect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that
will sustain me later, when my relative no longer needs me;
•
Expect and demand that strides are made in improving services to
aid physically and mentally impaired persons, as well as for their
caregivers.
Source: unknown author, Today’s Caregiver, Miami, Florida
17
A SKING FOR HEL P
Preventing burn out requires an ability to define my needs, respect my
limits, and have access to resources in the community.
Asking fo r help star t s wi th first
adm it tin g t hat y o u need help.
D efining my ne eds
Like everyone else, I must, first of all, meet my basic needs: eating,
sleeping, exercising, and taking care of myself. It is essential for maintaining my quality of life. If I neglect these areas, sooner or later, I will
feel the effects on my health. I need to have activities that give me
pleasure.
As the caregiver I also need information:
•
About the loss of independence of the person I care for and the
probable evolution of his or her condition;
•
About the ways to cope and to adjust as the situation changes;
•
About the resources available and how to access them.
18
Respec ti ng m y lim it atio ns
I probably didn't take the time, when I first started, to define the limits
of my commitment towards the person that I am helping. However, it
is never to late too do it.
•
How many hours, and how many times a week can I be present
or help? For how many months or years?
•
What level, and what type of help am I able to offer: bathing,
cutting nails, changing dressings, psychological support,
supervision night and day, help with getting around?
•
How often will I need breaks and vacations? Who will replace me?
•
Can I say “no” when someone expects something from me?
•
What other areas of my life are important: the relationship with my
spouse and my children, my job, having a social life?
By no t decid ing m y ow n li mi ts,
I dec ide t o let o ther s do i t fo r me .
I t i s m y rig ht to deci de.
19
M y r el ucta nce as a car egi ver
For many reasons related to beliefs, promises, fear of being judged,
the caregiver has a tendency to ask for help or to accept help only
when all else fails. W h y w a i t u n t i l y o u a r e a t t h e b r e a k i n g
p o i nt ? Sa y Y E S t o h e lp i f y o u f e e l d ep r e s se d , w o r n o u t , t i r e d …
H ere are exa mples of i ncorrect rea son in g th at s top you
fr om asking for hel p:
•
“It is only temporary, it is just a difficult time.”
•
“I'll do things differently. After I sleep a bit I will be all right.”
•
“I don't want things to be done in a different way.”
•
“Since the budget cuts services are overloaded. The government
hasn't got the money to pay. There are others who surely need it
more than me.”
•
“This is family business.
They are going to ask me
questions. I am going to
have to tell my story once
more. I don't like people
poking into my business.”
•
“I am going to have to
change my routine, my
habits, to accommodate
the availability and the
schedule of the person
who will be helping.”
•
“In any event, it is so
minor that it isn't worth the effort
to upset everything.”
20
The rel uct ance of t he pe rso n w ho needs help
It is already difficult to adjust to being less independent and to require
help from someone else for many activities. The person in need of
care accepts help more easily when it is someone close to him or her,
and in whom he or she has confidence, and is at ease with.
We often worry that the person needing help won't accept having
several individuals sharing the tasks, even if they are family members.
There is even greater reluctance when the helpers are outside
resources.
•
“So that's it, you can't take care
of me anymore. You might as
well put me in a home.”
•
“I'll take care of myself.”
•
“I might as well die.”
•
“I don't want to deal with just
anybody, I don't want strangers.”
The person needing
help wants the exclusive attention of the
caregiver, and
doesn't listen to the
needs expressed by
caregiver.
The reluctance of the person needing help
isn't always expressed verbally. It can
become evident by certain behaviours,
gestures, and attitudes, or may even be
expressed by tears. It becomes difficult
for the caregiver, at these times, to avoid
feeling guilty.
When th e per son being helpe d r efuses
ho me car e, t ell t hem that it i s y ou that
nee ds t he hel p and not t hem .
21
A heal thy r eact io n t o g uilt
One of the most difficult emotions to
master is guilt. Who hasn't ever felt
guilty? Guilt occurs surreptitiously.
Feeling guilty means feeling dissatisfaction with oneself, or judging one’s
own behaviour as unacceptable, since
it doesn't meet with one’s values or
what one’s conscious dictates. There
is a little voice in our head that tells us
to be generous, courageous, devoted,
patient, all of this unconditionally.
We often feel guilty because we have
been impatient, we become easily overwhelmed, or we want time for
ourselves.
Guilt is an inner burden that is useless, and that only increases the
already heavy task of caring for someone. This feeling is normal, but
we have to find a balance between our needs and those of the other
person. It is very important that the caregiver unburdens himself or
herself of this feeling of guilt to be able to feel good about himself or
herself, and to feel good about the relationship he or she has with the
person being cared for.
“ W h e n w e f e e l g u i l t y, w e d w e l l o n i t
a n d t h i s d r a i n s o u r e n e r g y a n d u n d e rm ines our heal th! ”
22
It is possible to gain the upper hand with respect to guilt, while still
maintaining self-respect as well as respect for the other person. In
order to do this, we suggest that you do a self-analysis to help you
react in a healthy way to your guilt:
-
To recognize that I have this feeling and to look at it closely.
To define the behaviour that I do or forget to do, that gives rise to
this guilt.
To define the values or demands that lead to guilt.
To clarify my position and react accordingly.
Ask myself if this value is still valid, today, in my life. :
•
Ye s , this value is still valid to me in my life. If I am going to feel
guilty every time I don’t meet a need, so that I can think of
myself or respond to my needs, then I will have to find the best
way to reconcile my thoughts and deeds, while all the while
respecting this value.
•
N o , this value is no longer valid in my life. I will live the way I
have decided, feeling good about myself, and bit-by-bit the
guilt will go away. However, one has to understand that our
conscience has developed over a long period of time and
influences our choices in life, and so it won't change
automatically without some distress.
I am, above all, responsible to myself, sometimes
towards others, for certain things and for a certain time.
23
A C CE P TI NG HE L P
Fro m fami ly and fr iends
The first approach to organizing and sharing caregiving tasks is
usually amongst family and close friends.
•
I talk to the person needing help, and encourage him or her to do
as much as possible for him or herself.
•
I accept the help of my family and friends to respond to the multiple
needs of the person needing help.
•
By lightening the workload, I am less isolated and better able to
respond to my needs, be they personal, family, professional or social.
•
I request a family council meeting to work out a contract for care
(see page 26). I clearly describe the situation to my relatives and
mention my limitations. I solicit their help to partition the tasks
precisely and equitably according to a “routine” by determining
the dates and times in advance.
•
The cost of various services (example: personal hygiene assistance,
sitting… See the family and community agreement page 26).
Th e fir st ste p is alway s t he mo st
difficul t to t ake.
24
Out side re sour ces
Access to outside resources is available to everyone. As a citizen, I
have access to a variety of services available in my community.
Take the time to study the different solutions that are suggested, and
to choose the best course.
Of course, I will have to explain my needs, and talk about what I am
experiencing. It is possible that following the assessment, I will be
referred to a different service than the one I called upon. It is also
possible that what will be offered to me will seem inadequate or will not
seem to correspond to what I have asked for
W hy not giv e i t a tr y ?
There are a multitude of services available in Sherbrooke. You will find
a list of the resources on page 30 of this guide. I can easily contact any
one of them. It is possible that my request will be transferred to
another service that is more appropriate. However, I will have to give
my consent before someone can make the referral.
25
F A M I LY A N D C O M M U N I T Y A G R E E M E N T
To c o n s i d e r : Taking care of a loved one presenting a loss of autonomy
means the performance of multiple tasks. This instrument allows you
to generate a portrait of the situation and become aware of the extent
of the tasks and responsibilities. It seems important to us to promote
the autonomy of the person being helped in allowing them to participate in the daily tasks, depending on their ability.
Use a led pencil in order to make corrections along the way.
TA S K
D E S CR I P T IO N
R ES P O N SI BI L I T IE S
( W H O D O E S W H AT ? )
Person
being
helped
Principal
Other help
caregiver (family, friends,
neighbours)
H E A LT H
Specific care services
(blood pressure,
dressing of wounds…)
Medication
Escort for medical or
other appointments
Other tasks
P ER SO NA L C A RE
Dressing
Feeding
Mobility, Supervision
Transfers (getting up/
going to bed and toilet usage)
Monitoring therapeutic/
re-adaptive activities
Other tasks
26
Community
services
Health services
Private services
(CLSC, Day Centre, (autonomous or
CRE,CHUS,…) private resources,
workers agency)
TA S K
D E S CR I P T IO N
R ES P O N S I BI L I T IE S
Person
being
helped
Principal
Other help
neighbours)
P ER SO NA L
H YGIEN E
Bath/shower
Daily toiletry (brushing
teeth/dentures,
shampooing, hair styling,
shaving…)
Nail care and foot care
Other tasks
H OU S EH O L D
Housekeeping
Spring Cleaning
Laundry and clothes care
Exterior maintenance
Grocery Shopping
Meal preparation
Shopping, errands
Other tasks
EM O TI ON A L
S U P P O RT
Listening and counseling
the person being helped
Visiting and calling the
person being helped
Regular respite
Temporary or
emergency respite
Other tasks
27
Community
services
Health services
Private services
workers agency)
TA S K
D E S CR I P T IO N
R E SP O N SI B IL IT I ES
Person
being
helped
Principal
Other help
neighbours)
M AN A G EM EN T OF
SE RVIC ES A ND
R ESO URC E S
Information research
Education and mutual
aid groups
Making medical and
other appointments
Planning and coordinating
resources and services
Management of
unforeseen situations
Other tasks
M AN A G EM EN T OF
CUR R EN T A FFAIR S
Managing the budget
and bank account
Paying of bills
Managing assets
Correspondence
Income tax, filling
out forms etc.
Other tasks
28
Community
services
Health services
Private services
workers agency)
W HO W ILL AS S UME THE E XPE NS ES ?
Here is a current list of monthly fees. Feel free to modify the list according to your
own reality.
Monthly fees
Person
being
helped
Principal
Other help
neighbours)
Community
services
Health services
(CLSC, Day Centre,
CRE,CHUS,…)
Public resources
(governmental,
and private)
Rent, lodging
Telephone, electricity,
other fees related to
housing
Food
Transport and parking fees
Drugs, medical, and
dental expenses
Clothing
Outings, leisure
Respite
Other tasks
An adaptation from the family and social agreement from the paper, “ENTOURAGE”, Regroupement des aidantes et
aidants naturels de Montréal, and the form, “Who does what? A portrait of task division, Regroupement des proches
de Bellechasse.
Produced by Table de concertation des organismes communautaires, secteur personnes aînées de Sherbrooke, 2008
29
R E SOU R CE S SE C TIO N
This section contains information about the resources available to you
and to the person you are helping. The first part contains the following
topics: homecare services offered by the CLSC, the day centre, respite
care services, and nursing home placement in a public institution. The
second part deals with community services and finally public services
and other governmental programs.
Ho me car e ser vi ces
The University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke and the CLSC have
joined together to provide the Sherbrooke MRC with one health
establishment. It is called the Centre de santé et de services sociauxInstitut Universitaire de gériatrie de Sherbrooke. Day Centre services
are included in this institution.
The Sherbrooke Geriatric Institute’s include the following:
Prolonged care units
Short term geriatric units
Rehabilitation
Geriatric psychiatry,
CHSLD, day centre,
Day hospital services,
As well as a research and expertise centre on geriatry.
30
The services are offered in these three locations:
One phone number to locate the services:
☎ 819 563-2572 (CLSC)
50 Camirand
Sherbrooke (Québec) J1H 4J5
1200, rue King Est
Sherbrooke (Québec) J1G 1E4
8, rue Speid (Lennoxville)
Sherbrooke (Québec) J1M 1R6
The CLSC offers the following support services:
Homecare services for the elderly
The programs offered by the home care department are available to
adults with temporary or permanent incapacities, due to physical,
mental, or psychosocial problems, as well as services for their caregivers.
These services are provided for persons living at home, or in a senior’s
residence.
The CLSC works in collaboration with the c o m m u n i t y o r g a n i s a t i o n s , involved in supporting homecare, as you will see later on. You
will find a list of these resources and where to contact them at the end
of this Guide. The word “ h o m e ” refers to the place of residence,
whether it is permanent or temporary. This definition includes a house,
an apartment, a senior’s residence or a private nursing home. This
section provides a brief description of the home care services offered
by the CLSC.
31
ENTRY POI NT to t he CL SC
I nfo-Sant é
☎
811
A nurse will answer your questions regarding health problems,
medication, or various treatments, etc. 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Psyc hoso cia l ser v ices
For someone experiencing a loss of independence, psychosocial
services are the point of entry into the health system. A social worker
is available during normal working hours to answer any questions you
may have. To access these services, you can either call the direct line
for seniors or simply call the point of service nearest you.
The dir ect lin e for ac cess to ser v ices for t he el derl y
819 563-2572 (44694)
☎
Open 8:30 am – 8:30 pm
For reception of requests, evaluation, information, guidance or referral
P ro cessi ng a r eque st
The following is a description of how psychosocial requests are handled by evaluating your needs and determining the required services
Following a request, a health professional makes an appointment with
you to evaluate the loss of independence of the senior in question.
This evaluation is done using a form called Multi-clientele Autonomy
Assessment. The results determine the individual’s profile of independence on a scale of 1-14. This is called the Profile-ISO-SMAF. This
profile determines which services will be required. Other factors, such
as the support network, are also taken into account. Afterwards, a
plan is drawn up to provide the services.
32
33
H O M E C A R E S E R V I C E S F O R T H E E L D E R LY
1200 King East, Sherbrooke (Québec) J1G 1E4
Telephone: ☎ 819 563-CLSC (2572)
www.clsc-sherbrooke.qc.ca
The CLSC is pleased to present its h o m e c a r e s e r v i c e s , available
to the elderly, suffering a loss of independence. This service is available
to anyone in the Sherbrooke area, whether you live in your own home
or in an assisted living centre, and who is incapacitated, due to health
reasons.
Ho me car e se rv ices :
R ece p tio n , Ev a lu a t io n , I n f o rm a ti on , G u id a n ce , R ef er r a l
and Fo llo w- up S erv ice s
A multidisciplinary team will respond to your needs.
Ps y c h o s o c i a l s e r v i c e s
Active listening, psychosocial interventions, support for caregivers.
Ho me Ca r e Serv ic es
Help with personnel hygiene, getting around, transfers in and out
of bed and with eating.
Nur sing S erv ice s
Follow-up services after an operation or a stay in hospital (dressings,
blood sampling for testing, palliative care), supervision of general
health. (7 days a week, 24 hours a day)
Onco lo gy and Pallia tiv e Car e Se rv ice
CSSS-IUGS - A team dedicated to oncology and palliative care
Objective: To offer services and support to people afflicted by
cancer or in palliative care. These services are offered by a
multidisciplinary team according to the needs of the person, the
family, or the network.
34
Rehabil it atio n Se rv ices
Phy sio th erapy
Treatments that strive to improve mobility, muscular strength,
balance and walking, in order for the individual to obtain the
maximum level of function.
Occ upatio nal Ther apy
Treatments that strive to maximise the level of function, or to
maintain the actual capacities of an individual to perform daily
living activities.
Inh alati on Ther apy
Professional services for individuals having respiratory problems.
Com m unit y Ac tio n Se rv ice
In addition, the CLSC offers a Community Action Service program to
respond to its mission of prevention and of local development.
(Support to community organizations and the development of new
resources...)
35
P rev ent ion Pr o gram
P rev en t ion of fa l ls (C L SC )
Pe r s o n al i z e d m ul t i - f a c t o r i e l i n t e r v e n t i o n
Goal: To maintain a person’s independence, who is 65 and over, and
living at home, by reducing the risk of falling as well as the severity of
the fall.
After which, suggestions will be made in the following areas:
•
•
•
•
•
Nutrition
Medication
High blood pressure
Preventing falls
Walking and maintining balance
For direct access to this service, call the CLSC de Sherbrooke
☎ 819 563-2572.
Com m unit y P r ogr am Pr ev ent ing Fall s
S t a n d - u p ! P r o g r a m ( P r o g r a m m e P. I . E . D . )
For autonomous individuals, over the age of 65 years, who are
concerned about their balance, three community organisations offer
group activities (physical exercise and prevention sessions):
Lennoxville and District Community Aid, Rayon de Soleil de l’Estrie
and Sercovie.
F l u Va c c i n a t i o n C l i n i c
One of the prevention programs offered by the CLSC is the clinic for
flu vaccination
The D ay Cent re
This program has three objectives:
•
•
•
Maintaining or improving the bio-psychosocial health
Maintaining or improving capacities
Support for caregivers by offering respite services, and/or support
group meetings.
36
Therapeutic groups (providing physical and cognitive stimulation) for
the elderly with a moderate to severe disability are offered. It also
provides you with respite while the person you are caring for participates in the activities. Group activities are from Monday to
Friday. Requests for admission to the Day Centre must be made
through the CLSC by contacting the Reception or your case worker.
For further information, call ☎ 819 569-5131.
Suppo rt Gr oup for I ndiv iduals wit h P ul mo nar y D ise ase
The Quebec Pulmonary Association, in collaboration with the CLSC
offers a support group for individuals with pulmonary problems, as
well as for their entourage. The group meets every first Tuesday of
the month. The objectives are to break the isolation, allow people to
express their feelings, help with acceptance of their illness, and to
develop ways of adapting to their new life style.
For further information: ☎ 819 821-9505
Te a c h i n g C e n t r e f o r A s t h m a t i c s ( T C A )
Teaching sessions are offered for asthmatics, on an individual basis or
in groups. The objective is to improve their level of independence and
their quality of life.
To make an appointment call: ☎ 819 563-2572 (44694)
COP D N etw or k
Teaching sessions and follow-up services are available for people
suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease who meet the
admission criteria of the program. The objective is to reduce the
number of hospitalisations and emergency room visits. Ask your
doctor about this program.
37
C SS S - I UG S U ser s’ C om m itt ee
The Users’ Committee was established following law 83, in 1986. This
law required that the CSSS-IUGS form a c o m m i t t e e o f u s e r s
for all services, and in addition, a c o m m i t t e e o f r e s i d e n t s from
each of its Pavilions. These committees act as guardians for the rights
of users and residents.
The principal function of these committees is:
•
•
•
•
inform people of their rights and obligations
promote the improuvement of conditions for the quality of life and
evaluate people’s degree of satisfaction regarding services obtained
defend the rights and common interest of these persons or the rights of
a person at their request.
on demand, support and assist a person in every step they take
concerning a complaint
For more information, you may go to the St-Joseph Pavilion, 611
Queen Victoria blvd. or call: ☎ 819 562-9121 (40296).
38
HOUSING
M o v in g t o a s en io r s ’ r es i d en c e t a ke s p l a n n in g !
The decision to move to a seniors’ residence or to a
nursing home is not easy to make. In order to help
you be prepared in case you have to make this
decision, the CLSC can provide advice so that you
make the right decision for your needs, and to help
make the move easier.
Alt ern ativ e s olut io ns t o nur sing h om e pl acem ent
The CLSC goal is to help people live at home as long as possible.
When this is no longer feasible, there are alternatives available before
permanent nursing home placement is required. Various solutions are
available depending on the needs of the person suffering a loss of
independence and their family. For example: the CLSC can help the
person obtain services in a private residence. Temporary residence or
alternating residence in a nursing home, as well as respite services in
the home are other methods available to support the caregivers, as
alternatives to nursing home placement. Get further information from
the CLSC.
Co mp o ne n t s Un i v e rs i t y In st it ut e o f G e ri at ri c s o f S h e rb ro o k e
ARGYLL HOSPITAL LONG TERM CARE CENTRE
☎ 819 821-1170 (46000)
Services
- Centre for expertise
- Out patient clinics
- Short-term Geriatric Unit
- Geriatric-Psychiatry
- Volunteer
☎
☎
☎
☎
☎
819 821-1170 (46469)
819 821-1170 (46352)
819 821-1170 (46200)
819 821-1170 (46103)
819 821-1170 (46123)
YOUVILLE HOSPITAL AND LONG TERM
CARE CENTRE
☎
819 821-1170 (45000)
☎
☎
☎
☎
☎
☎
819 821-1170 (45119)
819 821-1170 (45131)
819 821-1170 (45123)
819 821-1170 (45133)
Services
- Admission
- Research Centre
- Day Hospital
- Readaptation (URFI)
ST JOSEPH LONG TERM CARE CENTRE
ST VINCENT LONG TERM CARE CENTRE
39
819 562-9121 (40000)
819 562-9121 (41000)
COM MU NIT Y RESOU RCES
Housekee ping
☎
819 823-0093
☎
819 820-1231
Foo d banks
Le Samaritain
Moisson Estrie
☎
☎
819 563-8457
819 822-6025
M eals on W heel s
Lennoxville and District Community Aid
Sercovie and cafeteria on the premises
Service d'entraide Bénévole de Bromptonville
☎
☎
☎
819 821-4779
819 565-1066
819 846-4380
Com m unit y M eal s
Rayon de Soleil de l’Estrie
Carrefour des cuisines collectives
☎ 819 565-5487
☎ 819 820-1231
Coopérative de service à domicile de l’Estrie
Help with bathing, housework, respite services,
accompaniment, and preparation of meals. Free
evaluation, reliable services, and confidential.
Lower fees available due to government subsidies
Foo d Ser v ices
Col lect iv e kit che n
Carrefour des cuisines collectives
For anyone who likes to eat well
D atabase of hom e c are suppo rt wo r kers
Alliance sherbrookoise pour l’autonomie à domicile ☎ 819 562-8877
Individuals with physical disabilities can refer to
this databank of names of home care workers who
offer daily living assistance services (ex: morning
and evening routines; personal hygiene;
housekeeping, meal preparation etc.)
40
Wom en's iss ues
☎
☎
☎
☎
819 864-4186
819 564-6626
819 569-0140
819 564-7885
La Rose des vents de l’Estrie
Psychological assistance, escort transport, friendly
visits, respite care, workshops, support groups and
home care services. Financial aid is available to
help pay for medication or to provide other essential
needs. Specific criteria must be met.
☎
819 823-9996
Canadian Cancer Society
Research, emotional support, financial and
material aid, telephone information line,
documentation
☎
819 562-8869
The Quebec Cancer Foundation
Accommodation in the curative phase, information
service.
☎
819 822-2125
AFEAS –Estrie region
Lennoxville and District Women’s Centre
La Parolière inc. (Centre des femmes)
Centre de Santé des femmes de l'Estrie
Cancer Sup por t
Multidisciplinary team / Oncology (CHUS)
☎ 819 346-1110
Evaluation of your needs by a multidisciplinary team
(13333)
Continuity of services from the time of diagnosis
Direction to specific treatments at any time during
the illness (treatments, remissions, palliative care)
Services provided by nurses, psychologists, social
workers, dieticians, palliative care doctors,
pharmacists, pastoral services liaison and
consultation with community organizations.
Palliative Care Unit (CHUS)
12 beds are available, welcoming patients with
cancer in need of short-term hospitalization to
control discomfort and pain. A team of
professionals offer the services needed by the
patient and their family.
41
☎
819 346-1110
(26400)
Advo cac y
Association québécoise de défense des droits
des retraité(e)s et préretraité(E)(AQDR)
For anyone 50 years and older.
AQDR offers services and information dealing with
various aspects of life for retirees or people preparing
to retire. These include: revenue, health, lodging,
home care, transportation, environmental issues,
education and legal issues.
☎
819 829-2981
Alliance sherbrookoise pour l'autonomie à domicile ☎ 819 562-8877
Promotes and defends collective and individual
rights of persons with a physical disability. Among
other services, it offers support through the
procedure of filing a complaint due to living conditions.
Association québécoise pour la défense
des personnes et biens sous curatelle publique
☎
1 514 486-0428
Centre d'assistance et d'accompagnement
☎ 819 823-2047
aux plaintes Estrie (CAAP)
1 877 SOS-CAAP / 1 877 767-2227
The CAAP – Estrie - is a community
organization mandated to assist and support
individuals who wish to submit a complaint of
non-satisfaction about the services received
or services that they should have received from
an establishment of the Health and Social Service
network.
Act ive L ist ening and M ental Heal th Ser vic es
La Cordée and Réseau d’Amis
Mental Health and Aging Project
Home visits for people 65 years and over.
☎
819 565-1225
Secours Amitié
Telephone support line 24 hours a day.
☎
819 564-2323
42
Housing
Association des locataires de Sherbrooke
Defending the rights of tenants
☎
819 823-9135
P rev ent ion of Abus e
Association estrienne pour l'information et
☎ 819 346-0679
la formation aux aînées et aînés (AEIFA)
Prevention of and intervention against abuse to the
elderly. Conferences and training upon request.
P ro gram fo r the Pr ev ent ion of L o ss o f
A uto no my in the Elder ly
P rev en t ion of fa l ls
☎ 819 563-2572
For people 65 years and over who are concerned
about their balance. Three community organizations
offer group activities (exercises and prevention sessions)
Sercovie, Rayon de soleil de l’Estrie, Lennoxville &
District Community Aid.
Com plai nts: Ser vi ce o fferi ng assi stan ce w hen fil ing a
co mp laint s w ith the Heal th and So cial Ser vi ce Ne tw or k
Centre d'assistance et d'accompagnement
☎ 819 823-2047
aux plaintes Estrie (CAAP)
1 877 SOS-CAAP / 1 877 767-2227
The CAAP – Estrie - is a community
organization mandated to assist and support
individuals who wish to submit a complaint of
non-satisfaction about the services or services that
they should have received from an establishment
of the Health and Social Service network.
R esp it e Ca r e ( w a tch in g o ve r t h e p ers on i n n eed or
pr ov iding sti mul ati on at ho m e)
Baluchon Alzheimer Estrie
Are you taking care of someone with Alzheimer's at
home? Respite services are available for up
to 14 consecutive days.
Fixed rates.
43
☎
819 563-5890
Coopérative de services à domicile de l'Estrie
Hygiene care, housekeeping, respite, monitoring,
escort, meal preparation, free evaluation. Reliable
and confidential services.
Reasonable rates thanks to governmental financial
assistance.
☎
819 823-0093
La Rose des vents de l'Estrie
☎ 819 823-9996
Our services are available to person’s whose life
expectancy is less than a year, regardless of their
illness, to remain at home until death. The following
services are available: information and referral,
support by a psychologist, escort transport, friendly
visits, support groups and workshops. Respite services
are available at home for individuals at the end of
their life, and are offered by volunteers. A list of
individuals who provide occasional respite
services is available upon request. Financial aid is
available to help pay for medication or to provide
other essential needs. Specific criteria must be met.
Société Alzheimer de l'Estrie
Services offered: Support for individuals with
Alzheimer’s disease and their families, the Stimulating
Activities in the Home Program (PASAD), provide
interaction between a home care worker and the
person with Alzheimer’s, and, at the same time,
provides respite for the caregiver, 4 hours a week
or 2 periods of 2 hours. Other services include
support groups, telephone support, documentation
centre, monthly information meetings, information
bulletin, and educational workshops.
☎
819 821-5127
☎
819 821-4779
Ser vi ces and gr oup suppo rt fo r c are give rs
Group meeting for caregivers, information,
individual and group support, mutual aid, bilingual
services and a bank of autonomous workers
available for respite.
44
Regroupement des aidantes et aidants naturels
☎ 819 562-2494
Meet for coffee the last Wednesday of every month,
support group to prevent exhaustion and breakfast meeting.
Information, resources and support. Individual meetings
at the office or at home. List of sitters available upon
request for occasional respite (autonomous workers).
ACTE Association des accidentés
cérébro-vasculaire et traumatisés crâniens de l'Estrie
Referral service, information, conferences, leisure
activities, and a support group for people suffering
from cranial trauma or strokes.
Mental Health Estrie
Atelier téléphonique Réseau Entre-Aidants
☎ 819 821-2799
☎ 819 565-3777
☎ 1 866 396-2433
Pal l i a t i v e C a r e ( as si s t a nc e a nd
ac c o mp an i me nt )
La Maison Aube-Lumière
Objectives: To offer services to person’s with cancer in
the palliative phase, during their last days of life. To offer
support to the families. Services: Respite, temporary
accommodation in crisis situations, hospice services,
medical and nursing services, complementary services
by volunteers, grief support, pastoral services.
☎ 819 821-3120
☎ 819 823-9996
45
O n c o l o g y a n d Pa l l i a t i v e C a r e S e r v i c e
CSSS-IUGS - A team dedicated to oncology
and palliative care
Objective: To offer services and support to people
afflicted by cancer or in palliative care. These
services are offered by a multidisciplinary team
according to the needs of the person, the family,
or the network.
☎ 819 563-2572
Palliative care unit (CHUS)
Twelve beds are available for individuals suffering
from cancer and needing short-term hospitalisation
to control the pain and discomfort. A team of health
professionals will respond to the individual’s needs
and those of their family.
☎ 819 346-1110
(26400)
Te l e p h o n e S u p p o r t
☎
☎
☎
819 821-4779
819 846-4380
819 562-2494
☎
☎
☎
☎
☎
☎
819 821-4779
819 562-8877
819 823-9996
819 562-2494
819 846-4380
819 563-4523
Société de transport
de Sherbrooke (STS)
☎
819 564-2687
Regroupement
des usagers du
transport adapté
du Sherbrooke
Métropolitain
(R.U.T.A.S.M.)
☎
819 562-3311
Le Service d'entraide bénévole de Bromptonville
Réseau d'Amis
Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n , E s c o r t - Tr a n s p o r t
Alliance Sherbrookoise pour l'autonomie à domicile
Réseau d'Amis
Association des utilisateurs de transport de Sherbrooke
A d a p t e d Tr a n s p o r t
Substance abuse
ÉLIXIR or l'assuétude d'Ève
☎ 819 562-5771
Offers the S.E.V.E Program (information and mutual
support to ensure an enlightened aging process)
Woman 50 years and older. For abuse prevention
of alcohol-cigarettes-medication.
46
Ho me vi sit s
Alliance Sherbrookoise pour l'autonomie à domicile
Les Petits frères des pauvres
(person’s 75 years and over)
Réseau d'Amis
☎ 819 821-4779
☎ 819 562-8877
☎ 819 823-9996
☎ 819 846-4380
☎ 819 821-4411
☎
819 562-2494
☎
☎
819 562-9463
819 348-1919
☎
☎
☎
☎
819 566-8711
819 565-4102
819 566-5551
819 562-2555
☎
☎
819 820-2734
819 564-1450
OTH ER CO MM UN ITY B A SE D S ER V I C ES
Adapti ve clo th ing
Aisance Mode Plus
Confort Mode
Rent al o r pur chase of m edic al aid s
and e quipment
Oxybec
Ortho-dépôt
Ortho-Fab
Eureka Solutions
(adaptation de véhicules)
Centre de réadaptation Estrie
Orthèse-Prothèse Rive-Sud Inc.
L eisur e Ac tiv it ies
Université du troisième âge ☎ 819 821-7630
(UTA Sherbrooke)
(Cultural and educative activities)
(FADOQ) Mouvement
☎ 819 566-7748
des aînés du Québec
Région Estrie
Sercovie « Le centre des
☎ 819 565-1066
activités des 50 ans et plus »
et café « Le bel âge »
47
Vie-active
☎
(Regional resource - Sercovie)
Loisirs Fleuri-Est
☎
Sherbrooke Loisirs Action
☎
Centre communautaire de loisirs
☎
Sherbrooke Inc.
Carrefour accès-loisir
☎
Bibliothèque municipale Éva-Senécal (Municipal library) ☎
Bibliothèque Lennoxville Library
☎
819 565-1066
819 821-5791
819 821-5780
819 821-5601
819 821-1995
819 821-5860
819 562-4949
P rev ent ion of Abus e
Regio nal o r ganiz atio ns
CAVAC- Centre d'aide aux victimes d'actes
criminels de l'Estrie
FADOQ Estrie
(Mouvement des aînés du Québec)
P ublic Or ganiz ati ons
Commission des droits de la personne
et de la jeunesse
Public Curator
Lo cal Or ganiz ati ons
CLSC
AEIFA
(against abuse)
AQDR
(Advocacy)
Réseau d'Amis
(support for caregivers)
L'Escale
(Residential sheltar)
Centre d'aide et de lutte contre les agressions
à caractères sexuel de l'Estrie (CALACS)
48
☎
819 820-2822
☎
819 566-7748
☎
819 820-3559
☎
819 820-3559
☎
☎
819 563-2572
819 346-0679
☎
819 829-2981
☎
☎
819 562-2494
819 821-4779
☎
819 569-3611
☎
819 563-9999
Emer genc y ser vic es
Info-Abus
Sherbrooke Police
Sûreté du Québec
☎
911
☎ 1 888 489-2287
☎ 819 821-5555
☎ 819 310-4141
S e c u r i t y a n d Te l e p h o n e S u r v e i l l a n c e
Police services / community security division
(prevention – P.A.I.R)
Lifeline
Télé-sécur protection
☎
819 822-6080
☎ 1 866 784-1992
☎ 819 563-3333
Te l e p h o n e
☎
BELL Canada
Special rates, rebates
819 310-BELL (2355)
Tr a n s p o r t
☎
☎
Taxi-Sherbrooke
Taxi-adapté (taxi rates)
819 562-4717
819 560-2538
Em erge ncy
*Emergency
☎ 911
Ambulance de l'Estrie
☎ 819 565-5111
Police
☎ 819 821-5555
Fire department
☎ 819 821-5517
Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke
- CHUS - Fleurimont Hospital
☎ 819 346-1110
- CHUS - Hôtel-Dieu Hospital
☎ 819 346-1110
Poison centre
☎ 1 800 463-5060
Crisis intervention/Urgence Détresse
☎ 819 563-CLSC (2572)
*Health Info-line 24/7
☎ 811
49
P U B L I C A N D G O V E R N M E N T A L S E R V I C E S ( M U N I C I PA L ,
P ROV IN CI A L , F E DE R A L )
Assistive Devices and techni cal aids
Without the use of assistive devices, it is sometimes quite difficult to
help a loved one perform daily living activities. This type of assistance
includes medical supplies, equipment and devices that allow an
individual to stay in their home. This support not only provides
functional autonomy for the individual but also provides them with
great comfort. Finally, it increases the possibility of a safe living
environment for not only the individual but also their family.
These devices are aids that correct a deficiency, compensate for
functional limitations or adapt the environment for the individual.
The Politique de soutien à domicile (2003) of the ministère de la Santé
et des Services sociaux, states that “the process for providing
assistive devices for someone living at home must be the same as for
those who are hospitalized or in a long-term care facility.“
It is the local CLSC who evaluates and provides advice on all assistive
device matters.
50
51
For more information, you may consult the list of the public curator on
furnishings and technical aid on the following web site: www.curateur.gouv.qc.ca
52
HOUSING
When living with a disability or living with someone who has a disability,
living in a place that corresponds to our needs is essential to maintaining independence. In fact, not being able to easily get around or
to go up or down the stairs adds an extra burden. We have to increase
the help we offer our family member for certain activities.
As is mentioned in the Enquête québécoise sur les limitations d’activités
(2000), housing is a basic component of living, and the condition in
which citizens live is an indicator of the quality of life of a society.
There are some government programs that assist in paying the costs
associated with adapting a home or apartment, that provide financial
aid for lower income individuals, that offer legal aid for tenants with a
disability.
Ho me adapt atio n ass ist ance pr o gram
The CLSC is responsible for evaluating and recommending how to
adapt one’s home. In Quebec, there are two major programs that
provide financial assistance to adapt one’s home.
Re si de n tia l Ad ap tati on As si s tance Program ( for pe rson s
wi th a handic ap)
The program is jointly administered by the City of Sherbrooke
☎ (819 821-5928) and the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ)
☎ (1 800 463-4315). This program helps persons with disabilities make
their home accessible and adapted to their special needs by covering
the costs associated with these changes.
Work covered includes modifying entrances to allow for easy entry
and exit; and renovations to the interior to ensure accessibility within
the different rooms, such as adapting the kitchen, the bathroom,
enlarging doorways, installing an exterior ramp.
53
Financial Assistance
Assistance can attain $16,000 or more for a homeowner, $8,000 for a
tenant and up to $4,000 for a boarder.
Moving
Up to $5,750 of moving and installation costs can be covered through
this program. This is only possible if the prior mentioned costs
combined with the costs associated with adapting the new residence,
are less than the costs associated with adapting the current dwelling.
The process
The building’s owner must submit the residential adaptation request
by completing the form “ Request for Provisional Aid“. The funding
request must then be sent in along with the CLSC or Centre de
réadaptation’s occupational therapist’s report.
H om e A d apt at io n f o r Sen io r ’s I n dep end en ce P r o gr am ( H A SI )
The Société d’habitation du Québec administers the program (for
information in Sherbrooke, contact the City of Sherbrooke ☎ 819 821-5928.
Promoting staying at home, the program is for persons 65 years and
older who are having difficulty performing certain daily activities, such
as going in or out of one’s home, getting around inside, or not being
able to fully use the kitchen, the bathroom or the storage areas.
The financial assistance must be used for minor work done to adapt
one’s home in order to continue to live in it safely.
Costs to be reimbursed include the purchase and installation of:
- A hand railing along a hallway or stairwell;
- A safety bar along the bathtub;
- Faucets and handles;
- Switches or plugs in easily accessible areas.
54
Eligibility criteria
The maximum income varies depending on the number of persons in
the household, the municipality and the household income. For ex: an
individual or a couples annual income must be less than $18,000. A
group of 2 people or more living under the same roof may also be eligible depending on their income.
Financial assistance
It can reach up to $3,500. if a contractor accredited by the Régie du
bâtiment does the work.
Rent Assis tance Pr o gram s
L ow Cost H ousi ng
Low Cost Housing is designed for low-income individuals and families.
The cost of renting equals 25% of one’s income. Many low cost housing
units for seniors and some 465 units may have some services offered.
Some units are wheelchair accessible.
The process
A request must be made to the Office municipal d'habitation de
Sherbrooke OMHS ☎ 819 566-7868
An evaluation will be made based on the following criteria: income,
actual housing conditions, the percentage of income being attributed
to housing and the amount of assets owned.
Coo per ativ e Hous ing
Many housing cooperatives offer units to low-to-modest income
households. In order to rent a unit, one must become a member and
participate in the management of the cooperative.
For information: La Fédé Coop-Habitat Estrie
55
☎ 819 566-6303
Shel ter All ow ance Pr ogr am
This program is administered by the Société d’habitation du Québec
at ☎ 1 800 463-4315 and the ministère du Revenu du Québec at
☎ 514 873-2600. It is for individuals, including those 55 and over,
whose housing costs or rent exceeds 30% of their total annual
revenues. Owners, renters and boarders are eligible for this program.
Factors taken into account when calculating the amount allocated
includes the number of persons in the household, the total revenue
and the cost of lodging.
The Shelter Allowance Program provides financial assistance to
individuals or families who have to spend more than 30% of their total
income on housing. Not eligible for this program are:
- Individuals, couples or families living in subsidized housing, a
hospital centre or a subsidized community care centre;
- Those receiving benefit from the Rent Assistance Program or other
such programs;
- Individuals, or their spouse, who have liquid or other assets with
a market value of more that $50,000 (excluding the value of the
home, land, furniture and car).
Note: income is from the fiscal year prior to the year the request is
being made in.
The maximum financial assistance is $80 a month.
Com m unit y H ous ing
Community housing projects sponsored by the Société d’habitation
du Québec ☎ 1 800 463-4315 are geared to low-income households,
to seniors with slight handicaps or to individuals with special housing
needs. To find out about local community housing projects, contact
your CLSC.
56
Coo pér ativ e d'Habi tat ion OASI S
Consist of 24: 31/2 apartments with food services.
For information: ☎ 819 566-6303
Residenc es fo r Senio rs
Definition:
Residential apartment buildings where rooms or apartments are
offered to rent-paying senior citizens, and may include a variety of services,
primarily related to security, domestic and social aid with the exception
of a building maintened by an establishment or a local residence,
where services are offered by an “intermediate” or “family type resource”
(article 346.0.1 the law governing health and social services).
All senior citizen residences regardless of this type must obtain a identification certificate from the Heath and Social Services Agency-Estrie.
The services offered vary from residence to residence. Some accommodate nine individuals or less, while others can accommodate more
than one hundred.
Older persons living in senior’s residences who are still independent
or in lost of autonomy have access to homecare services offered by
the CLSC.
Re gi s teri ng wi th the Age nc e d e l a sa nté e t de s se rvi ce s
sociaux de l’Estrie
In order to identify the seniors residences within its territory, the
Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Estrie must develop
and keep up to date a list of these residences.
Our rights
Private residence owners must respect the Civil Code laws with
respect to housing. They must also follow appropriate provincial and
municipal health and safety regulations. As with any other type of
housing, the same lease agreement regulations apply to private residences for seniors. Supplementary regulations apply should the
residence owner offer additional services to a resident based on
his/her personnal condition.
- L’Agence de santé et services sociaux de L’Estrie
57
☎
819 566-7861
Therefore, if a lessor provides services or adapts the unit, then an
annex describing these services or additions must be included with
the lease (for ex: support bars, laundry service, housekeeping services).
The cost of these services as well as the procedure to file a complaint
with the Régie de logement must also be explained. If paying for these
services by pre-authorized payment (the 25% tax credit), we
recommend that you verify the amount debited on your monthly bank
statement to ensure it is the correct amount, and that you have in fact
received the services you have paid for.
For information
-
Régie du logement
Association québécoise de défense des
droits des retraité(e)s et préretraité(e)s
(AQDR) section-Sherbrooke
☎ 1 800 683-2245
☎ 819 823-9135
☎ 819 829-2981
Alt ern ativ e r esi dences for per so ns w ith disabil it ies
The ser vic es o ffere d
The Alternative Residences Program is offered by the Centre de
réadaptation Estrie ☎ 819 346-8411 (43304). It is a program for individuals with a severe physical disability, (motor, neurological sensory,
language or speech). Each unit offers specialized services or residential care. The alternative residential program offers a variety of residential resources each one having it’s own features. A team of
professionnals study each request and guides them to the appropriated residences.
This team of professionnals come from the following domains : social
work, special care counceling and nursing care.
58
T h e Te r m i n a t i o n o f a L e a s e
A person can terminate a lease if they cannot continue to live in their
home due to a disability, or if they are relocating to one of the following:
- A residential and long term care facility (CHSLD);
- A seniors’ home or a retirement home that provides services such
as offering meals and housekeeping to its residents;
- A low-rent housing unit (HLM);
- A non-profit community-owned housing unit;
- A private home where the Rental Assistance program (Programme
de supplément au loyer) applies.
A tenant must respect certain conditions:
- First, written notice must be sent to the owner three months prior
to the departure date that has to be mentioned in the notice. If
the lease is for less than 12 months, then the notice must be sent
one month prior to the departure date.
- Included with the notice must be the confirmation of admission
into the residence, or a medical certificate stating that the reason
for the move is due to disability.
- Original documents must be sent to the owner by registered mail.
- The individual is responsible for the three months’ rent following
the date of the notice.
- It is important to keep the postal receipt and photocopies of the
documents sent in case of a problem.
Following the onset of a disability
If a person can no longer live in one’s home due to a disability, then a
notice of lease termination, along with a medical certificate attesting
that the disability is permanent, must be sent to the owner.
59
For Information
-
Régie du logement
Association québécoise de défense des
droits des retraité(e)s et préretraité(e)s
(AQDR) section - Sherbrooke
☎ 1 800 683-2245
☎ 819 823-9135
☎ 819 829-2981
Assist ance in l ocat ing a pr ivat e r esi dence
A firm can help you and your family locate a residence depending on
your finances, your tastes and criteria. Services offered include accompaniment during selection visits and follow-up after selection to
ensure everything is suitable
☎
Agence d'hébergement Doré
(It’s better to choose a lifestyle
in a private residence.)
819 571-8289
T R A N S P O R TA T I O N
Our daily living needs determine how much we need to get around.
For a loved one with a disability, mobility may depend on the state of
their health, but can also depend on social obstacles. So, sometimes,
we have to pick up the slack, which can become laborious.
A person’s needs depend on their level of independence and their
health, as well as variables such as age, gender and socio-economic
status. The needs can be met through formal channels (services that
are available and accessible) or through informal channels (family and
friends).
When referring to transportation, we are referring to available services
to assist persons with disabilities, such as adapting vehicles, accessible
public transportation and escort services, etc
60
Adapted tr anspo rt
The Société de transport de Sherbrooke’s accessible public transit
☎ 819 564-2687 is available to anyone, whatever their age, with
functional limitations that inhibit them from using regular transit buses.
When calling, ask for customer service.
In order to benefit from this service, one must be a resident of
Sherbrooke and complete a request form that must also be signed by:
-
Physician
Occupationnal therapist, Physiotherapist
Cardiologist, Lung specialist, Neurologist
A specialist in readaptation
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Any other professionnel from the Health network or School system
An admissions committee reviews requests and renders a decision
approximately 14 days after receipt of the request. One can always
telephone to find out what decision was taken. In case of refusal, a
new request can be submitted by filling out a more detailed form that
must also be countersigned by a physician.
Once approved to receive this service, the STS will send the individual
an identification card and a registered file number. One must pay by
way of token, money or by showing the monthly pass at the time of
each trip.
61
M odes of t r anspor t atio n
Specially adapted minibuses and taxis are the vehicles used by the
accessible transit service.
Fares
- The fare is the same as the cost for a regular transit trip.
- In order to benefit from reduced rates offered to students and
senior citizens, the passenger must show the ID card issued by
the STS.
- Children under the age of five and their mandatory supervisor
do not pay.
Private resource : Taxi adapté
☎
819 560-2538.
☎
819 562-3311
☎
819 563-4523
I n f or ma t io n a n d Co m p la in t s
Regroupement des usagers du transport
adapté de Sherbrooke (R.U.T.A.S.M.)
Association des utilisateurs de transport
de Sherbrooke
D i s a b l e d Pa r k i n g Pe r m i t
The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) ☎ 1 800
361-7620 issues a parking permit to person with handicaps in order to
be able to park in the designated parking spaces. The parking permit
must be suspended from the inside rear view mirror.
To be eligible to receive this permit, a person with disabilities must
meet these three conditions:
-
Be a "handicapped person" within the definition of the Act to assist
a person with a handicap in exercising their rights, that is: a
person who is limited in the performance of normal activities and
who is suffering, significantly and permanently, from a physical or
mental deficiency or who regularly uses a prosthesis or an
orthopaedic device or any other means of alleviating his/her handicap.
62
-
Have been handicapped for at least six months with respect to
covering short distances, (less than 50 metres).
-
Provides an evaluation completed by an authorized professional:
a specialized educator, occupational therapist, a nurse, a doctor,
an optometrist, physiotherapist or a psychologist.
Fournir une évaluation complétée par un professionnel autorisé :
éducateur spécialisé, ergothérapeute, infirmière, médecin,
optométriste, physiothérapeute, psychologue.
-
It is recommended that the health professional best suited to describe
the current situation with regards to the limitations for short distance
travel be the one to complete the evaluation. Costs associated with
the completion of the report are not reimbursed by the SAAQ.
The cost of the label is $15 and it is valid for a 5 year period.
E s c o r t I . D. c a r d s a n d p a r k i n g p e r m i t s
The City of Sherbrooke issues escort I.D. cards for someone escorting
a person with a disability. This service assists persons with disabilities
by not having to pay an entry fee for their escort when their presence
is required.
Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n b y a m b u l a n c e
Travel by ambulance is free for person 65 years of age and over and,
under certain circumstances, for employment insurance benefit
recipients (that is, social assistance).
The following travel is free:
- From a private residence or a public place in Quebec to the
closest health establishment within the Réseau du ministère de la
Santé et des Services sociaux;
- From a medical facility to one’s home after having been released
from hospital.
In order for the costs to be borne by the medical facility, the doctor
receiving the person to the facility or discharging the person from
hospital must confirm that the person’s health warrants transportation
by ambulance.
63
P R O TE C TI V E S U P E R V I SI O N M A ND ATE I N T HE C A S E OF
I N C A PA C I T Y
To make the right decisions, one must know the degree of incapacity
of the person to be protected and whether the incapacity is temporary
or permanent. Usually, the incapacity of a person is reported by the
executive director of a health or social services establishment, in a
report containing a medical and psychosocial assessment by health
and social services professionals.
The P ublic Curat or
The public curator is the public institution that oversees the protection of
citizens unable to take care of themselves, through measures
appropriate to their condition and situation. It ensures that all decisions affecting the well-being of the citizen and of their property reflects
their best interests, respect their rights and safeguards their independence.
For information : Sherbrooke area
☎ 1 877 663-8174
www.curateur.gouv.qc.ca
☎
819 820-3339 toll free
P ro tec tiv e Mandat es
Four types of incapacity are identified for persons protected by a
homologated incapacity mandate, a curatorship or a tutorship:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Persons with degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease;
Persons who are intellectual handicapped;
Persons presenting mental desorders;
Person presenting carious organic syndromes following a cerebral
vasculair accident or head trauma.
Protective supervision can be either:
- Of a private nature when a family member or friend is named to
represent the incapacitated person or managed his/her belongings
- Or, of a public nature when the public curator is designated as the
representative of the incapacitated person or managed his/her
belongings
The Quebec Civil Code provides four different types of protection for
persons of full age:
Mandate in case of incapacity
64
-
Curatorship
Tutorship
Advisor to a person of legal age
The mandat e in cas e o f incapac ity
Since April 1990, the Quebec Civil Code allows any adult, who is of
sound mind, to designate someone to look after him or her, and to
undertake the administration of property in the event of incapacity. This
designation is done by preparing a mandate in case of incapacity.
Homologation
Homologation is a legal procedure that verifies the mandator’s incapacity, the existence of the mandate and its validity. When the person
having written up a mandate becomes incapacitated, the mandatary
must ask the Court to homologate the mandate. Included with the
request is a medical and psychosocial evaluation that confirms the
person’s incapacity.
Recourse
Once the mandate is homologated, if the mandatary is negligent or
commits fraud, the incapacitated person or his or her family may
request the Court to relieve him or her of their duties, or can lodge a
complaint with the Curateur public. The Curateur public has the right
to investigate and if need be, intervene on behalf on the incapacitated
person, can request the court to rescind the mandatary’s responsibilities
and proceed to protective supervision.
Cur ato r to a Per son of L egal Age
Responsibilities
A curator to a person of full age represents the protected person in all
civil acts. Duties include seeing to the welfare of the person, and
administering their property with prudence, diligence and competence. All decisions concerning the protected person must be made
in their interest, respect their rights and safeguard their independence.
A tutorship council assists the curator in his or her duties.
65
A Tu t o r s h i p C o u n c i l
Responsibilities
A tutorship council is comprised of three members and a secretary. It
is appointed by the meeting of relatives that the court clerk consulted
when protective supervision of the incapacitated person was instituted.
The duties of the tutorship council are:
-
To give the court its opinion on the curator's remuneration if
necessary or any others matters.
To give advices and autorisation to the curator as needed.
To apply to the court for replacement of a curator who fails to meet
his or her responsibilities.
T h e Tu t o r t o a P e r s o n o f L e g a l A g e
A tutor to a person of full age is the legal representative of a person
who is partially or temporarily unable of taking care of oneself or of
administering one’s property. The extent of the tutor's responsibilities
depends on the tutorship judgment appointing him or her. The tutorship may cover both the person and property, the person alone or the
property alone.
The public curator is responsible for informing the tutor of his obligations, assisting him in his role as legal representative and supervising
his administration.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a tutor to a person of legal age are the same as
those of a curator of a person of legal age. However the tutor simply as
the administration of the belongings of the protected legal person and
must obtain autorisation prior to executing certain important acts.
66
Council of tutorship
This protective supervision is instituted when a person who is generally
capable of administering one’s own property and of taking care of
oneself needs to be advised or assisted in certain aspects of the
administration of their property.
This protection is normally assumed by a family member or friend of
the person in question, but not by the public curator.
Responsibilities
An advisor to a person of legal age is not a legal representative under
the law. The advisor may, for example, help a person invest money
received as an inheritance or won in a lottery or assist in investment
for important contract.
I nfor mat io n and defence of o ne’ s r ight s
Association québécoise pour la défense des
personnes et biens sous curatelle publique
www.educaloi.qc.ca
67
☎
514 486-0428
WO R K LI F E B AL A NC E
Whether we are voluntarily taking care of our parent, adult child,
spouse or even a friend or it is by duty, many of us have to juggle these
responsibilities with those of our professional life. In fact, with the
ageing population, the deinstitutionalization of the health and social
services sector, the shift to ambulatory care, as well as the development of home palliative care, taking on the double role of wage earner
and caregiver will become increasingly common.
A b s e n c e D u e t o Fa m i l i a l R e a s o n s
The Labour Standards Act regulates employer-employee relations.
Included are norms on a worker’s absence from work for family
commitments, and the employee’s recourse if not granted. A certain
number of paid and non-paid days due to family reasons are permitted.
Sho rt -t er m Le a ve
An employee can take up to 10 non-paid days off per year due to
health reasons of a spouse, father, mother, a sibling or a grandparent.
This time off need not be taken all at once. Even a day may be divided
up if the employer agrees.
The employee must inform the employer as soon as possible of his or
her intention, and take all reasonable measures to limit the length of
time off.
68
L ong- t er m Leav e
An employee, having three months of uninterrupted service, can take
off up to 12 weeks within a 12 month period in order to take care of a
spouse, father, mother, sibling or grandparent who has a serious
illness or has been in a serious accident.
The employee must inform the employer as soon as possible, and if
requested, provide the appropriate proof.
For information
-
Commission des normes du travail ☎ 819 820-3441 or
☎ 1 800 265-1414 (information services)
Com passi onat e Car e Benefit s
A worker may receive, under certain conditions, employment insurance
benefits, or compassionate care benefits (refer to chapter on end of life
page 73).
69
END OF L IF E
The loss of a loved one is difficult. One can expect to go through many
stages of grief: denial, anger, depression, etc. Even emotions that were
gone can resurface. It is normal to get some support through the
process.
Pa l l i a t i v e C a r e
Health Canada defines palliative care as “a special kind of health care
for individuals and families who are living with a life-threatening illness,
usually at an advanced stage. The goal of palliative care is to provide
the best quality of life for the critically or terminally ill by ensuring their
comfort and dignity.” The World Health Organization (WHO) adds that
these services must also be available to the family members during
their grieving period.
In the past, Quebec has been a leader in providing palliative care services,
in Canada and on an international level. Unfortunately, over the past
years, Quebec has lost ground in this area.
Pa l l i a t i v e C a r e i n S h e r b r o o k e
Some of the goals of palliative care are to:
- Manage pain and other symptoms;
- Integrate the psychological and spiritual aspects of the care;
- Offer a support system so that the individual can live as actively as
possible up to the time of death;
- Offer a support system to the family members during the illness
and through the period of bereavement.
A snapshot of available services is difficult to develop, since Quebec
does not have a specific policy on palliative care services.
Administrative ratios determine the reasonable time frame for dying in
a hospital, a long-term care facility or a hospice. For example, if
diagnosis is:
- From 3 to 6 months, then the person will be directed to a
residential and long-term care centre (centre d’hébergement et de
soins de longue durée (CHSLD);
70
-
Within one month, the person can be directed towards a residential
and long-term care centre (CHSLD)
Less than 2 weeks, the person will be directed to a hospital or a
nursing home.
D yin g in Hosp ital
In palliative care units, the care provided is based on the individual’s
needs and those of the family. All that can be done will be to alleviate
the pain and suffering, and lessen the discomforts.
Personal choices and wishes will be respected. The CHUS has a
palliative care unit. Your doctor or the CLSC will be able to provide you
with the conditions to be admitted to the unit.
D yin g in a CHSL D
In accordance with Ministry directives, when a person is dying, everything must be done so that the person may do so in dignity, with
respect and comfort, and in concert with family members, taking into
consideration the person’s beliefs, faith, culture and choices. The
resident is at the centre of all actions taken and the individual’s
quality of life is primordial.
D yin g in special iz ed facil it y
La Maison Aube-Lumière
Accommodate people who are seriously ill with
cancer so they can benefit from a rest break of up
to 21 days per year or to come and live out their
last few weeks of life.
71
☎
819 821-3120
D yin g at Ho me
CLSC
☎ 819 563-2572
Co-ordinates the community and at-home palliative
care services provided within its territory. CLSC staff
evaluates the person’s needs and those of the family
and provides the services or directs them to the
appropriate organization.
☎ 819 823-9996
L'A.R.C.H.E de l'Estrie
☎ 819 348-2670 (223)
Support organization that provides people living
with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones the means to
reclaim and maintain a quality of life filled with
respect and dignity. Services offered: lifestyle
support and follow –up, day center, accompaniment
to medical appointments, transitional lodgings, and
different activities intended to promote the global
health of HIV/AIDS victims in Estrie.
72
Com passi onat e Car e Benefit s
Since January 4,2004, compassionate care benefits may be paid to a
person who has to be absent from work to provide care or support to
a gravely ill family member at risk of dying within 26 weeks. Human
Resources Development Canada (HRDC) ☎ 1 800 808-6352 administers
the employment insurance program. Web site: www.servicecanada.gc.ca
Who is eligible?
Individuals qualifying for employment insurance who have to take care
of a spouse, or common-law partner, mother, father, child or common-law
partner’s child.
You must provide an HRDC medical certificate signed by a physician.
The certificate attests to the fact that the family member who is gravely
ill and may die within the next 26 weeks needs a or many family members to:
- Provide psychological or emotional support, or
- Arrange for care by a third party, or
- Directly provide or participate in the care.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive this benefit you must have accumulated 600 insured hours
in the qualifying period.
The qualifying period is the shortest of:
- The 52 week-period immediately before the start date of your
claim, or
- The period since the start of a previous EI claim if that claim started
during the 52 week-period.
Duration of the claims which you can receive compassionate care benefits
Six paid weeks can be shared among members of the family; each
must be eligible to receive benefits.
Please note that there is a two-week unpaid waiting period for each
individual.
Amount of benefit
The basic amount is 55% of your average gross insurable earning for
the last 20 weeks of employment or less, depending on the situation.
73
The Appeal Process
Anyone can appeal a decision made by an HRDC employee by filing
an appeal with the Board of Referees. To assist you in this process
contact the Mouvement des chômeurs et chômeuses de l'Estrie
☎ 819 566-5811
The Deat h o f a L o ved One
Certain CLSC’s and community organizations provide support services
to those grieving the loss of a loved one. Contact your local CLSC for
this information. Certain psychologists in private practice specialize in
assisting in the bereavement process. To obtain a list of
psychologists in your area, contact the Ordre des psychologues du
Québec ☎ 1 800 561-1223. .
Grief support services are often included in the services offered by
funeral homes. As well, other support services available to you are:
☎ 819 823-9996
La Coopérative funéraire de l'Estrie
☎ 819 565-7646
Le Mouvement la Porte ouverte
☎ 819 562-0227
Les amis compatissants de l'Estrie
☎ 819 820-1407
When there is a death in the family, members must also take care of a
number of related responsibilities: funeral, will, etc.
T h e Fu n e r a l
An adult can decide on his or her funeral and burial arrangements.
If these decisions have not been made by the deceased, then the
decisions are made by the heirs or surviving family members.
Usual methods of disposing of the body are burial, cremation or
donating all or parts of one’s body to science.
74
The Steps to Take
Contact either, depending on the wishes of the deceased, a funeral or
crematorium director.
Generally, the funeral director can organise all of the necessary
details concerning the funeral and afterwards: (informing the relevant
institution if the body is being donated for scientific purposes, arrange
for a religious ceremony or burial arrangements).
The Costs
Funeral costs are borne by the succession and not by the heirs who
made the arrangements.
Filing a Complaint
The Office de la protection du consommateur ☎ 1 888 672-2556 is
an independent agency, created by the government of Quebec to
supervise the application of, among others, the Consumer Protection
Act, and the Act respecting prearranged funeral services and sepultures.
The Will
The Quebec Civil Code recognizes three types of wills:
- The notarial will which is drawn up in front of a notary and witness.
- The holograph will is a will entirely hand-written, dated and signed
by the individual.
- The will made in the presence of witnesses is drawn up by the
individual, it is signed and dated by the person and witnessed by
two individuals of legal age in the presence of the person writing
up the will. The individual must clearly state that this is a will but
need not divulge its contents. This document can be written up
either by oneself or a third-party by hand, using a typewriter or a
computer.
75
L eave due to deat h o r to at tend a funer al
The Labour Standards Act allows a salaried employee to take a certain
number of paid or unpaid days, depending on the case, due to a death
or for the funeral of a family member. An employee may be absent
from work for one paid day and four unpaid days due to the death or
to attend the funeral of a spouse, child or spouse's child, father, mother
or sibling.
An employee may be absent from work for one unpaid day due to the
death or for the funeral of a son or daughter-in-law, a grandparent or
grandchild, or spouse's parent or sibling.
In the event the situation arises, the employee must inform the
employer as soon as possible.
For Information
- Commission des normes du travail
- Illusion emploi (groupe populaire de défense
des droits)
☎
☎
819 820-3441
819 569-9993
E m p loy m en t A ssi sta n c e Pr og ra m (Sp ecia l B en e fi ts) : in t h e
Case of a Death
Special benefits may be paid out to you to help you cover the funeral
costs of an individual in a precarious financial situation. These benefits are to be paid as a last recourse, if the deceased assets cannot
cover the costs. The person having paid the costs of the funeral will
be reimbursed.
Benefits
In the case of a death, up to $2,500 in funeral costs could be
reimbursed per deceased adult or child.
Reimbursement
Reimbursement of funeral expenses will be made to the person who
paid these costs. Costs can be claimed by a family member, that is, up
to a first-cousin, a common-law spouse, by the family resource (if the
person was residing in an institution), a minister or by the Public
Curator.
76
Should the deceased’s financial resources not be sufficient to pay for
funeral costs then costs may be reimbursed. The deceased nor the
person requesting reimbursement need be a recipient of employment
insurance.
Conditions
The Ministry will include the following in their assessment of eligibility
to receive financial aid:
- The payout of a life insurance policy; death benefit from the
Quebec Pension Board or other public bodies;
- Total liquid assets;
- Value of the deceased’s total assets.
For Information
- Centre local d'emploi (CLE) Sherbrooke Est
☎ 819 820-3680
- Centre local d'emploi (CLE) Sherbrooke Ouest ☎ 819 820-3411
Contact the local employment centre. In order to receive authorization,
you must obtain forms from the local employment centre. Complete
and return them along with supporting documents for the funeral
expenses.
The Quebec pensi on plan: D eat h Benefi ts
The Régime des rentes du Québec ☎ 1 800 463-5185 provides
financial aid to the family after the death of someone who has sufficiently contributed during their lifetime to the Quebec Pension Plan.
The Surviving Spouse’s Pension is paid out to a legal spouse or
common law spouse, if cohabitation occurred during at least the last
three years that the deceased person contributed to the pension plan,
or living together for one year if a child was born or adopted.
The Orphan’s Pension is paid out to each of the deceased’s children
until the age of 18. In 2004, the amount paid out was $61.18 per
month. The death benefit is $2,500.
77
F IN A N C I AL A S S I S TAN CE
Many among us must incur additional expenses to ensure that our
loved one who is ill, with disabilities or at the end of their life receives
the support and services they need. This may be very costly. Over the
last twenty years, the health system has gone through many reforms
that have transferred expenses previously paid by this public institution
to the individual or their family.
There are certain governmental programs that offer financial aid to
individuals with a disability and to their family.
Ta x C r e d i t s
There are a number of different tax credits offered at the provincial as
well as the federal level. Some are for the individual with a disability
while others include their family. Changes to these credits regularly
occur at the time the Minister of Finance presents the budget. Listed
hereafter are only a few.
So me De fi n it ion s
A refundable tax credit is an amount paid out to anyone meeting the
eligibility requirements, even if the person has not paid any income
tax. Often this type of assistance is geared to those with low and
modest incomes, since a maximum allowable annual income is
established.
A non-refundable tax credit reduces the income tax that the person
would have to pay. To take advantage of this credit one must usually
be in a high income tax bracket, or have investments and holdings.
78
F e d e r a l Ta x C r e d i t s
The Non-Refundable Tax Credit for Medical Expenses
This credit allows a taxpayer to claim an amount for medical expenses.
Eligible expenses are the following:
-
Professional services not covered by the public health system;
Medication;
Orthotics;
Prosthetics;
Glasses;
The costs of adapting a vehicle or home;
The costs of private health insurance;
Professional services or home care services offered by an attendant;
Costs associated with an establishment for persons with
diminished capacities (ex. a CHSLD);
Etc.
The Non-Refundable Tax Credit for Dependant Persons 18 Years or
Older with a Disability
A taxpayer may claim an amount for his children or grandchildren or
those of his spouse who are over the age of 18. This deduction can
also apply for other relatives or those of the spouse over the age of
18 who have a mental or physical disability.
Non-Refundable Tax Credit for Caregivers
A taxpayer may claim an amount, under certain conditions, for aid for
a family member over the age of 18 who is under his or her guardianship,
and residing at the same address.
For information
- Agence des douanes et du revenu du Canada ☎ 1 800 959-7383
79
P r o v i n c i a l Ta x C r e d i t s
Non-Refundable Tax Credit for Medical Expenses
This credit allows a taxpayer to claim an amount for the following medical
expenses:
-
Professional services not covered under the public health system;
Medication;
Orthotics or prosthetics;
Glasses;
Costs associated with adapting a vehicle or a home
Private health insurance premiums
Costs of professional services fees or home care workers
Costs associated with full-time residence in a nursing of a person
with impairments (ex: a CHSLD);
Etc.
The Non-Refundable Tax Credit for Other Dependant Persons
This credit applies to all people 18 years old or over who are in charge
of you due to a mental or physical disability. The person must live with
you. Please note that the conditions for this benefit are so restrictive
that only a few people will be eligible.
The refundable tax credit for medical expenses.
You may be entitled to a refundable tax credit for medical expenses if
you meet certain conditions.
The tax credit for homecare providers.
You may apply for a refundable tax credit of up to $1 020 for each
eligible close relation that lived with you in Canada in a lodging where
you or your spouse are owners, tenants or sublet-tenants and if you
meet the two following conditions: If you resided in Quebec the 31st of
December, and that no person, other than your spouse, has applied
in your interest for a tax credit.
80
The Tax Credit Respecting the Housing of a Parent
In 2008, a taxpayer who is 70 years old or more may obtain a tax credit
equalling 30% of admissible expenses in order to obtain homecare
services (ex: domestic services, direct personal services). Admissible
expenses have a ceiling of $15 600, equalling a maximum tax credit of
$4 680. For a non-autonomous person, the annual limit of expenses
is $21 600 and the maximum tax credit is $6 480.
The tax credit for the expenses of offering a respite to natural care
providers (instituted at the beginning of 2008)
In order to recognize the need of natural care givers and their
needs to have respite, a reimbursable tax credit is available for
specialized service fees with a maximum of $1560 per year. This
applies as long as the services are furnished by an individual who
holds a recognized diploma.
A ssist a n ce in fi llin g o u t t a x f or m s
Each year, hundreds of volunteers, trained by Revenu Quebec and
Revenue Canada, assist those who need help in filling out their tax
forms, for little or no charge. This service offered in February, March
and April, is for those individuals who do not have the means to get
professional assistance.
For information
- Revenu Québec
www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca
☎
819 563-3034
In addition, a number of community centres for seniors and public
training facilities, offer, for a small fee, assistance in filling out tax forms
for those with low-incomes.
- Association québécoise de défense
☎ 819 829-2981
des droits des retraité(e)s et des
préretraité(e)s (AQDR) section- Sherbrooke
- Solutions Budget Plus
☎ 819 563-0535
81
I nco me Suppor t ( Soc ial A ss ist ance)
The Act respecting income support, employment assistance and
social solidarity includes the possibility of those eligible of receiving
assistance to receive a supplementary amount if they are the caregiver of person having lost a significant amount of independence, and
this, even if they do not reside in the same dwelling.
It includes special benefits for certain health related needs or other
specific needs. For example, benefits can be for:
- Transportation services for medical reasons;
- Funeral costs;
- Optometric services;
- Dental expenses
- Specialised equipments or supplies (disposable briefs due to
incontinence)
- Moving expenses due to health reasons.
In order to receive these benefits you must make the request through
the financial assistance agent assigned to you and include justification of the need for this benefit (example: a medical report). In addition,
for many of these benefits the recipient must have been part of the
program for a certain number of consecutive months.
For information
- Centre local d'emploi (CLE) Sherbrooke Est
- Centre local d'emploi (CLE) Sherbrooke Ouest
- Action Plus de Sherbrooke
82
☎
☎
☎
819 820-3680
819 820-3411
819 564-4418
B IB L I OG R AP HY
Aidant naturel, pas si naturel que ça! Action-Services aux aidants de parents âgés de
Longueuil, Longueuil, 1999.
Prévenir l'épuisement en relation d'aide, Arcand, Michelle et Brissette, Lorraine, Ed.
Gaétan Morin, Montréal, 1994.
Guide des aidants, Leçons de vie, Association Canadienne de soins palliatifs et la
Fondation GlaxoSmithKline Inc, Canada, 2002.
Grille d'évaluation de la violence, Association estrienne pour l'information et la formation
aux aînées et aînés (AEIFA) Lacroix, Lyne , inspiré de Caregiver and Care-receiver
Indicators of Abuse (IOA) et Dépistage de l'abus chez les aidants naturels.(DACAN)
(Reis-Nahmiash).
Bottin des organismes communautaires, et gouvernementaux, municipaux, Sherbrooke,
Centre d'Action Bénévole de Sherbrooke, 2004.
Guide à l'intention de l'aidant, La Société Alzheimer, Toronto, 2003
Chez soi, Le premier choix, La politique de soutien à domicile, Ministère de la Santé et
des Services sociaux, Québec, 2003
RAAN, La Boussole, Guide des droits des services et des ressources, Montréal, 2004
Guide pour les personnes qui aident un proche en perte d'autonomie, Table de
concertation aux aînés de la MRC Memphrémagog, Magog, hiver 2004.
Aider sans s'épuiser, Table de concertation pour les aînés du Val Saint-François, Val SaintFrançois, printemps 2003. Miami, Floride.
Traduction de Burden, interview de Zarit par le Centre de recherche en gériatrie,
Hôpital d'Youville de Sherbrooke, Grille de Zarit, fardeau de tâches.
Calendrier, Répertoires des activités et services offerts aux personnes aînées de Sherbrooke,
Table de concertation des organismes communautaires, secteur personnes aînées de
Sherbrooke, 2005
Todays Caregiver, Miami, Floride
Prendre soin de moi tout en prenant soin de l’autre, Regroupement des proches
aidants, Bellechasse, 2007
Quoi de neuf?, mars-avril 2007
Journal de Montréal, 4 octobre 2006
Ensemble… rendre visible l’invisible, CSSS Memphrémagog, 2006
83
TAB L E O F C O N T EN T S
P r o duc t i o n of t he gu i de
I n t r o d u c t i o n .................................................................................................1
E v a l u a t i n g m y S i t u a t i o n ...........................................................................2
T h e p r e s s u r e s .............................................................................................4
H o w a r e y o u d o i n g ? ..................................................................................6
Ta k i n g c a r e o f o n e s e l f , w h a t d o e s t h a t m e a n ? .................................8
K e e p y o u r e y e s o p e n ! ............................................................................13
T h e c a r e g i v e r ’ s b i l l o f r i g h t s a n d f r e e d o m s .....................................17
A s k i n g f o r h e l p .........................................................................................18
A c c e p t i n g h e l p .........................................................................................24
F a m i l y a n d C o m m u n i t y A g r e e m e n t ....................................................26
R e s o u r c e s S e c t i o n ..................................................................................30
E n t r y p o i n t ( C L S C ) ..................................................................................32
P r o c e s s i n g a R e q u e s t ............................................................................33
H o m e C a r e S e r v i c e s f o r t h e E l d e r l y ...................................................34
H o u s i n g ......................................................................................................39
C o m m u n i t y R e s o u r c e s ...........................................................................40
Housekeeping ..............................................................................................40
Food Services...............................................................................................40
Database of Home Care Supports Workers ................................................40
Women’s issues ...........................................................................................41
Cancer Support ............................................................................................41
Advocacy ......................................................................................................42
Active Listening and Mental Health Services ...............................................42
Housing ........................................................................................................43
Prevention of Abuse .....................................................................................43
Program for the Prevention of Loss of Independence in the Elderly...........43
Complaints : Service offering assistance when filing a complaints
with the Health and Social Service Network ................................................43
Respite, Companion sitting (watching over the person in need
or providing stimulation at home) ................................................................43
Services and Group Support Meetings for Caregivers................................44
Palliative Care (assistance and accompaniment) ........................................45
Telephone Support .......................................................................................46
Transport, Escort-Transportation..................................................................46
Accessible Transportation ............................................................................46
Substance Abuse .........................................................................................46
Home visits ...................................................................................................47
O t h e r C o m m u n i t y B a s e d S e r v i c e s ......................................................47
Adaptive clothing..........................................................................................47
Rental or purchase of medical equipment and aids....................................47
Leisure Activities ...........................................................................................47
Fight Against Abuse .....................................................................................48
Security and Telephone Surveillance ...........................................................49
Telephone .....................................................................................................49
Transport.......................................................................................................49
Emergency ...................................................................................................49
P ub l i c an d Go v er n me n t al Se r vi c e s
( M u n i c i p a l , P r o v i n c i a l , F e d e r a l ) ..........................................................50
Assistive Devices ..........................................................................................50
H o u s i n g .....................................................................................................53
Residential Adaptation Assistance Program................................................53
Rent Assistance Programs ...........................................................................55
Private Residences for Seniors ....................................................................57
Alternative Residences for persons with disabilities ....................................58
Assistance in locating a private residence...................................................60
Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n ..........................................................................................60
Accessible Public Transit..............................................................................61
Disabled Parking Permit ...............................................................................62
Escort I.D. Cards and Parking Permits.........................................................63
Transportation by Ambulance ......................................................................63
P r o t e c t i v e S u p e r v i s i o n M a n d a t e i n t h e C a s e o f I n c a p a c i t y ........64
The Public Curator........................................................................................64
Protective Mandates.....................................................................................64
W o r k l i f e B a l a n c e .....................................................................................68
Absence due to Familial Reasons................................................................68
Short-term Leave ..........................................................................................68
Long-term Leave...........................................................................................69
Compassionate Care Benefits......................................................................69
E n d o f l i f e ..................................................................................................70
Palliative Care ...............................................................................................70
Compassionate Care Benefits......................................................................73
The Death of a Loved One ...........................................................................74
The Funeral...................................................................................................74
The Will .........................................................................................................75
Leave due to Death or to Attend a Funeral ..................................................76
The Quebec pension plan: Death Benefits ..................................................77
F i n a n c i a l A s s i s t a n c e ...............................................................................78
Tax Credits ....................................................................................................78
Federal Tax Credits.......................................................................................79
Provincial Tax Credits ...................................................................................80
Assistance in Filling out Tax Forms ..............................................................81
Income Support (Social Assistance)............................................................82
B i b l i o g r a p h y ..............................................................................................83
K n o w i n g h o w t o c h o o s e a p r i v a t e r e s i d e n c e w i t h s e r v i c e s ........88
Evaluating the needs of the person .............................................................91
Evaluating the residence and the services it provides ................................93
Available budget...........................................................................................94
Sensible questions .......................................................................................96
Notes ............................................................................................................97
N am e s an d t e le p ho ne n um b er s
Ro le
Family doctor
Home care Co-ordinator
Visiting Nurse
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Home Care Worker
Volunteer
Spiritual Advisor
Pharmacist
Medical equipment supplier
Dietician
Other resource person
Family and friends
Name
Numbe r
Knowing how to choose
a private residence
with services
Commonly known as:
• senior citizens residence
• residence for autonomous or
semi-autonomous persons
A guide to help you choose
your new place to live
88
This guide is an adaptation of the booklet, Knowing how to choose a living milieu.
Private residences with services produced by Josée Plante, tts., Health and Social
Service Center, Grand Littoral, CLSC Bellechasse in collaboration with the
Committee for Senior Citizens and Retirees of Bellechasse.
It was also inspired by the Bottin du Programme Roses d’Or 2006-2008 of the
FADOQ – Quebec and Chaudière-Appalaches regions of The practical guide
for choosing a private senior citizen residence, CLSC Basse-Ville-Limoilou-Vanier,
and from, Always my home; Vivre en résidence privée pour personnes âgées,
Ministère de la Famille et de l’Enfance.
Produit par le Regroupement des proches aidants de Bellechasse (2007)
Reproduit par la Table de concertation des organismes communautaires secteur
personnes aînées de Sherbrooke (2008)
89
A little thought, a better choice!
Searching for a new milieu in which to live often brings about a state
of anxiety and insecurity as well as for the person being help and for
the family members. “What’s waiting for me? Where am I going
to end up? Who will be my new neighbors?” These are some of the
questions that a person who is losing autonomy normally questions
during this period of transition. It is evident that such a change
implies that everyone envolved will have to adapt as much as
possible.
As the saying goes, “With every loss, there is a gain”. If the person
you’re helping leaves home to go live in a private residence, it is
obvious that the aim of this move better meet certain needs in order
to compensate for some losses and improve the general quality of life.
It is worthwhile to take your time before making a choice on something this important. It is essential to clearly identify the concerned
person’s needs, preferences and expectations. It is also recommended to visit a number of residences in order to compare the
advantages of each places.
90
1. Evaluating the needs of the person
Among the main services offered by a residence,
choose the ones that correspond to the needs of the
concerned person.
Nourishment
Meals eaten at will in the apartment
Table service (Dining room)
Room service
Assistance with the cutting of food
Assistance with feeding
Dressing/hygiene
Assistance/supervision for bathing or showering
Assistance for daily hygiene (hair, teeth, shaving etc.)
Assistance with incontinence
Partial assistance in buttoning or tying certain pieces of clothing
Total assistance with dressing
Mobility
Assistance in moving (ex: from sofa to bed)
Assistance with outings
Care
Assistance in administering medication
Assistance in dressing wounds
Assistance with implementing glucometer testing
Injections (ex: insulin)
Other care
91
Other
Memory, reasoning or behavior problems affecting the person
Needs and supervision
A few questions to determine the preferences and
the expectations of the concerned person
•
Does the person wish to live in a small, family-style residence or
in an apartment-type complex with services?
• Does the person want a private room or an apartment?
• Does the person wish to have a private bathroom?
• In which municipality/city or neighborhood does the person
wish to live?
• Does the person wish to take furniture? Which furniture? (create
a list)
• Does the person wish to receive guests at meal time?
• Does the person wish for outdoor green spaces?
• Does the person wish to have access to a balcony, a place
where people can sit, a garden etc.?
• Does the person want close services (supermarket,
pharmacy etc.)?
• Does the person wish to prepare light meals in the room and
keep food (small refrigerator, pantry, toaster)
• Does the person wish for in-house services such as hairdressing
or social activities?
• Does the person wish for a choice of menus and advance notice?
• Does the person wish for the presence of a committee of
resident’s at the residence?
92
2. Evaluating the residence and the services
it provides
Here are a few important elements to consider when visiting a
residence.
Dispositions of the dwelling
•
Dimensions of the apartment, divisions, number of
rooms
•
Dimensions of the room and storage space
•
Accessibility of the lodging (ramps, wheel chair etc.)
•
Dining room
•
Private bathroom
•
Elevator
•
Private balcony
•
Garden area
•
Sun room, exterior views
•
Air quality, possibility to open windows
•
Emergency call system
In-house Services
•
Security and surveillance system 24/7
•
Nursing care
•
Medical visits
•
Assistance in mobility
•
Bathing assistance
•
Daily hygiene
•
Hairdressing services
93
Services available in the neighborhood
•
Supermarket, pharmacy
•
CLSC, medical clinic
•
Church
•
Caisse
•
Bank
Living milieu
•
Quality care, ambiance
•
Number and type of employees, working hours (nurses,
prepose for residents etc.)
•
Name of the proprietor; how long in ownership, does the
proprietor live on the premises?
3. Available budget
•
Set up a list of the present and future revenue of the concerned
person
•
Set up a list of expenses
Groceries
Clothing
Medication
Personal Products (Hygiene, etc.)
Telephone
Cable
Transportation
Outings
Other
94
•
Determine the residence’ basic fees and what is included in this
cost
•
Verify supplementary fees expected for certain services
•
Verify with the proprietor the possibility of obtaining supplementary
services in the event of a loss of autonomy. What type of
services and at what cost?
Could you benefit from the tax credit for
homecare of a senior citizen?
This tax credit addresses senior citizens who are 70 years of
age and more and who reside in Quebec. It represented to
25% of the admissible expenses incurred for homecare services
such as well as assistance to the person (hygiene, nourishment,
clothing, cooking, night surveillance, and nursing services) as
well as services linked to domestic tasks. You may benefit from the
tax credit up to a maximum of $3750 per year.
Are you eligible for the lodging allocation?
To find out, inquire at the Société d’Habitation du Quebec
(SHQ) by calling 1 800 463-4315. The financial assistance
may be up to $80 per month.
95
4. Sensible questions
In regards to the lease
Government regulations oblige the proprietor to use a lease from
the Rental board. This lease is complementary to the form
“Annex Services” when supplementary services are required
because of age or a person’s handicap. Do not hesitate to
demand that the proprietor of the residence fill in this form outlining
the services and accessories requested in terms of your particular
needs.
May you move from the residence after giving a
three month notice?
There exists a myth that a simple three month notice will terminate
a signed lease. Actually, no! A lease is a contract and it must be
respected.
There are three exceptions that may allow you to
break a lease:
• Your request, has been accepted for permanent admission in
a long-term Residential Care Center (CHSLD). Proof from a
competent authority is required.
• You have been admitted in a low cost housing facility with
subsidized rent (HLM).
• You can no longer occupy your lodging because of a handicap
(medical attestation must be furnished).
In the case of death, the executor of the will or one of the heirs
may terminate the lease. The heir must then pay three months
rent. Certain residences only require a one month payment in the
case of death.
For further information, contact the Rental board at 1 800 683-2245.
All private residences must be registered with the Health and
Social Service Agency-Estrie et Agence de santé et de services
sociaux de l’Estrie.
96
Notes
97
98

Untitled - Regroupement des Aidantes et Aidants Naturels

Transcription

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